Why did Benedict blame the 1960s for abuse scandals?

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Benedict XVI Identified the 1960s Sexual Revolution and Moral Collapse as Key Factors in the Church Abuse Scandals

Former Pope Benedict XVI has posited that the sexual abuse crisis within the Catholic Church is significantly linked to the societal shifts of the 1960s, specifically the sexual revolution, and a broader decline in moral standards. He argued in an essay that this era led to a dismantling of previously accepted norms regarding sexuality, creating an environment where certain behaviours became permissible. Benedict's perspective suggests that this societal upheaval also impacted the Church's internal structures, particularly in the formation of priests.
Societal Norms and Sexuality

Benedict stated that the period between 1960 and 1980 witnessed a complete collapse of established norms concerning sexuality, leading to the emergence of a "new normalcy." He contended that the sexual revolution, which gained momentum around 1968, championed an all-encompassing sexual freedom devoid of traditional constraints. This, he suggested, contributed to a loosening of moral bearings, citing the spread of explicit sex education for young children and the prevalence of nudity in advertising as contributing factors.
Breakdown in Priestly Formation

The former Pope also pointed to a "far-reaching breakdown" in traditional methods of priestly formation following the Second Vatican Council. This internal disruption, he wrote, coincided with a dissolution of the Christian concept of morality within the Church. Benedict specifically mentioned the establishment of "homosexual cliques" in various seminaries, which he claimed operated openly and significantly altered the atmosphere within these institutions.
Critiques of Benedict's Assessment

Benedict's essay has drawn criticism from some theologians who disagree with his analysis. Critics have labelled his explanation as an "embarrassingly wrong" attempt to attribute the systemic abuse of children and its cover-up to the 1960s and a supposed collapse of moral theology. Others have described his view of the post-Vatican II Church as a "caricature," overlooking both its ingenuities and its tragic mistakes in addressing the crisis.

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Why did Benedict blame the 1960s for abuse scandals?

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