An advocacy group welcomed Pope Benedict's announced retirement as it should make criminal prosecution easier. Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), together with Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) are plaintiffs in a 2011 complaint with the International Criminal Court that accuses Vatican officials, including Pope Benedict, of tolerating and concealing widespread rape and sexual abuse of children around the world.
"Not only does Pope Benedict XVI bear responsibility in his official capacity for the church-wide policy of systematic and widespread concealment and enabling of the crimes, but he bears individual responsibility in a number of cases in which he ensured that perpetrators would be shielded and protected and left in place to assault more victims."
In retirement, he's no longer a head of state, which the groups believe will remove political hurdles relating to their case. It's possible that the Pope may not have pulled out in time.
