NEW : Critics call his comments disingenuous and say he knew about the abuse . Benedict XVI : The church has not been vigilant or fast enough to respond . Catholic leaders and government officials have defended the trip , with Prime Minister David Cameron saying Britain and the Vatican have `` incredibly important work to do together '' in promoting a `` multi-faith dialogue . '' He describes `` ` How a man who has done this and said this can fall into this perversion is difficult to understand '' and says the abuse is difficult to understand . The pope is visiting Scotland and England for Thursday .
NEW : Critics call his comments disingenuous and say he knew about the abuse . Benedict XVI : The church has not been vigilant or fast enough to respond . He describes `` ` How a man who has done this and said this can fall into this perversion is difficult to understand '' and says the abuse is difficult to understand . The pope is visiting Scotland and England for Thursday .