See, I used some hyperbole to make it at least a little bit funny, because in reality, the systematic rape of children is really tragic. But since you want to defend Pope Palpatine, let's get into it.
What he did was choose to protect his priests over the children they were raping. His edict back in the 70's (while he was still a cardinal, but was specifically in charge of this sort of thing, appointed by papal authority) excommunicated any victim who spoke out and revealed rape by a priest. Got that? Anyone who tells that a priest raped them goes to hell. I would have to assume that cardinals actually believe in the supernatural tenets of their church. Ratzinger made the decision to send rape victims to hell rather than hold rapist priests accountable.
Yeah, he didn't say the exact phrase "raping little kids is totally okay", but no one would. He's corrupt, not stupid. And if you actually think that the bar to determine someone's intentions and opinions comes only from explicit endorsement, I urge you to read any thread on this very forum including the phrase "I'm not racist, but..."