Obstruction of justice? investigations into child sex abuse claims: keep the evidence confidential for up to 10 years after the victims reached adulth

Salon.com News | Obstruction of justice?: "Obstruction of justice? | In a confidential 2001 letter, the new pope ordered bishops to keep allegations of pedophilia secret. | By Jamie Doward | April 25, 2005

Pope Benedict XVI faced claims Saturday night that he had 'obstructed justice' after it emerged that he issued an order ensuring the church's investigations into child sex abuse claims would be carried out in secret. The order was made in a confidential letter, obtained by the Observer, which was sent to every Catholic bishop in May 2001.

It asserted the church's right to hold its inquiries behind closed doors and keep the evidence confidential for up to 10 years after the victims reached adulthood. The letter was signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who was elected as John Paul II's successor last week."