Child abuse victims accuse pope of crimes against humanity | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

An international group for victims of sexual abuse by priests said Tuesday it was asking the International Criminal Court to prosecute Pope Benedict XVI for crimes against humanity.

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithfuls gathered in St Peter's Square at the Vatican during his weekly general audience on September 7. An international group for victims of sexual abuse by priests have said they are suing the pope through the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.

International law experts said the case may not go very far because the ICC prosecutor only investigates complaints if asked to do so by the United Nations Security Council, by a state that has ratified the Rome Statute, or on his own initiative. The ICC also investigates crimes, not people.