A group of prominent German-speaking theologians has sharply criticized retired Pope Benedict XVI’s recent letter on clergy sexual abuse, saying it “instrumentalized” the Catholic Church’s continuing crisis to rehash stale, decades-long theological disputes.

In a blunt two-page letter released on April 15, the theologians said the former pontiff ignored scientific research on the causes of abuse, neglected evidence of the centuries-long history of the problem, and did not speak from the perspective of victim-survivors.

“The analysis of Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI is based on a number of false assumptions,” said the German Association of Moral Theologians, which represents about 40 prominent academics. “It is assessed by us as a failed and improper contribution to the resolution of the abuse crisis.”

In his letter, released on April 11, Benedict had partially blamed the abuse crisis on developments in theology following the Second Vatican Council. The ex-pope alleged that there had been a “collapse” in moral theology in recent decades that left the church “defenseless” against changes in wider society, and even identified two German theologians by name.

The letter, one of a handful Benedict has shared publicly since his resignation in 2013, immediately drew criticism from Vatican watchers. They noted, it did not address structural issues that abetted abuse cover-up, or Benedict’s own contested 24-year role as head of the Vatican’s powerful doctrinal office.

Prominent U.S. theologians also expressed concern that Benedict’s action risked undermining Pope Francis’ efforts to address clergy abuse and played into narratives splitting Catholics between two Popes.

In their April 15 response, the German theologians said, they felt compelled to comment on Benedict’s letter because it was a “reproach and insult to the reputations of former and current members” of their association.