The child abuse scandal rocking the Catholic Church has homed in on Pope Benedict XVI, who's been labelled the "biggest sinner" in one newspaper, but the Vatican says his handling of the crisis will only strengthen his authority.

As allegations piled up of sexual molestation by priests in the scandal that has swept the United States and Europe, the media expressed shock and bewilderment in comments and editorials on Saturday.

Pope Benedict XVI gives Christmas Night Mass at St. Peter's Basilica last year. Credit:Getty Images

"How could the Catholics do such a thing?" asked Britain's The Independent newspaper.

How could priests receive the host in communion "while raping children?" it wondered. "What was going on in their souls?"