the church was fully aware of the problem with Catholic priests by 1990.
I had many discussions with church members then. They also had accounted for future financial costs from the wave they knew was coming.
What they were working on at that time was the damage that had been caused by nuns. They knew about a wave of damages that would come from there as well - but they didn’t know the extent.
IMO - one of the biggest things that’s happened since then is victims being able to connect by internet and social media
it’s allowed people to get in touch and it’s also allowed for masses of research into history and detective work.
In a number of years I had connections through from local church to the Vatican.
Now - I’d feel more comfortable having a beer in the bar of a bikie club than at some levels in the church. At least they’re up front about what they do.
