Cardinals decry 'campaign of hatred' against Church

The Vatican has heatedly defended Pope Benedict XVI, claiming accusations that he helped cover up the actions of paedophile priests are part of an anti-Catholic “hate” campaign targeting the Pope for his opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.

Vatican Radio broadcast comments by two senior cardinals explaining “the motive for these attacks” on the Pope and the Vatican newspaper chipped in with spirited comments from another top cardinal.