Pope's Resignation and Silence in the House of God "Mea Maxima Culpa": Film Exposes Horror of Catholic Child Sex Abuser, Heroism of His Victims

"Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God," a new documentary by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, investigates how a charismatic priest in Milwaukee abused more than 200 deaf children in a Catholic boarding school under his control.

The young students were molested again and again by Father Lawrence Murphy, who stalked them in their dorm rooms at night, on trips to his rural cabin, and even in the confessional booth.

Pope Benedict XVI who has just resigned faced claims he had 'obstructed justice' after it emerged he issued an order ensuring the church's investigations into child sex abuse claims 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 has Pope Benedict XVI
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Lawyers acting for abuse victims claim it was designed to prevent the allegations from becoming public knowledge or being investigated by the police.

They accuse Ratzinger of committing a 'clear obstruction of justice'.

Pope Benedict XVI will quit on February 28, the Vatican said adding the announcement was a surprise.

A Vatican statement said the pope was unable to continue in office due to his age and diminishing strength, he is 85, and the papacy will remain vacant until a successor is elected.

He is the first pontiff to resign in nearly 600 years.

The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March