Brief Commentary on The Church Scandal

Just remember that Thomas Becket was sainted largely for his insistence that priestly offenders be tried in ecclesiastical courts, not civil courts.  (see also here)

In late 1163 Henry decided to abolish certain privileges enjoyed by the clergy, which exempted them, when they were accused of crimes, from the jurisdiction of the civil courts. Criminous clerks, as they were known, were instead allowed to stand trial before a bishop in the ecclesiastical (church) courts, which usually resulted in much milder punishments.

So the Catholic Church has been defending it's criminals for thousands of years, while granting its highest honor to those who protect them.