SNAP: New pope must protect children

MILWAUKEE (AP) - An advocacy group that has helped clergy abuse victims in Milwaukee says the Catholic Church must elect a new pope who protects children.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, issued a statement Monday after Pope Benedict announced he is retiring at the end of February due to health issues.

SNAP President Barbara Blaine says the Catholic Church must be led by a pontiff who demands transparency, exposes child-molesting clerics, punishes wrongdoers and cooperates with law enforcement.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report Blaine also said the new pope needs to make "true amends" to those who were hurt by Catholic priests, employees and volunteers.

The Chicago-based support group has more than 12,000 members.