Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests Weighs in on Pope Benedict Xvis Decision to Resign, by Deborah Allard, Wicked Local Fall River, February 11, 2013

Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests Weighs in on Pope Benedict Xvi's Decision to Resign

By Deborah Allard
Wicked Local Fall River
February 11, 2013

http://www.wickedlocal.com/fall-river/news/x846055871/Survivors-Network-of-those-Abused-by-Priests-weighs-in-on-Pope-Benedict-XVIs-decision-to-resign#axzz2Kc5xSZZc

This May 25, 2006 file photo shows Pope Benedict XVI lifting his scull cap during an ecumenical meeting at the Holy Trinity church in Warsaw, Poland. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 Benedict XVI announced he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Diether Endlicher, file)

This May 25, 2006 file photo shows Pope Benedict XVI lifting his scull cap during an ecumenical meeting at the Holy Trinity church in Warsaw, Poland. On Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 Benedict XVI announced he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. (AP Photo/Diether Endlicher, file)

An international survivor’s network for those abused by priests is asking Pope Benedict XVI to use his “vast power” in his remaining two weeks to take tangible action to safeguard vulnerable children.

The pope announced he will resign on Feb. 28 due to advanced age and declining strength.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests said Pope Benedict unfortunately “followed the same script church officials have used for years,” speaking only of church sexual abuse when “forced to do so,” said Barbara Dorris, outreach director for SNAP.

The group on more than one occasion has organized protests in Fall River, the most recent last summer, and has asked for cooperation from Bishop of the Fall River Diocese George W. Coleman.

The group first launched its efforts in Massachusetts following multiple revelations of sexual abuse, including the case of James R. Porter, a Fall River priest who pleaded guilty to abusing 28 children. He died in 2005.

According to the web site bishopaccountability.org, there are 29 priests who served with the Fall River Diocese who have been accused of sexual abuse.

Barbara Blaine, SNAP president, said the group hoped the College of Cardinals will find a new leader who will “protect the most vulnerable among the faithful: innocent children.”

“The era of cover-up and secrecy in the Catholic church must end,” Blaine said.

This story will be updated.

Email Deborah Allard at dallard@heraldnews.com