Pope Benedict XVI made a controversial statement suggesting that pedophilia was regarded as relatively normal behavior as late as the 1970s. This implies a significant shift in societal views and underscores the complexities of cultural perceptions around such issues over time. His remarks invite debate about how values evolve and how institutional responses to these behaviors have changed. In the book "Avenue of Mysteries" by John Irving, a character named Juan Diego reflects on Benedict's philosophy that nothing is inherently good or bad. This notion is challenged when discussing pedophilia, which many, including the character Clark, consider to be unequivocally harmful. The exchange highlights the tensions between philosophical relativism and the moral absolutes that society often holds regarding issues of morality.

Pope Benedict XVI made a controversial statement suggesting that pedophilia was regarded as relatively normal behavior as late as the 1970s. This implies a significant shift in societal views and underscores the complexities of cultural perceptions around such issues over time. His remarks invite debate about how values evolve and how institutional responses to these behaviors have changed.

In the book "Avenue of Mysteries" by John Irving, a character named Juan Diego reflects on Benedict's philosophy that nothing is inherently good or bad. This notion is challenged when discussing pedophilia, which many, including the character Clark, consider to be unequivocally harmful. The exchange highlights the tensions between philosophical relativism and the moral absolutes that society often holds regarding issues of morality.