Pope Francis: ‘About 2%’ of Catholic clergy pedophiles (Source bbc.com) Pope Francis was quoted as saying that the 2% estimate came from advisers. It would represent around 8,000 priests out of a global number of about 414,000. While the incidence of pedophile as a psychiatric disorder in the general population is not accurately known, some estimates have put it at less than five percent. “Among the 2% who are pedophiles are priests, bishops and cardinals. Others, more numerous, know but keep quiet. They punish without giving the reason,” Pope Francis was quoted as saying. Many survivors of abuse by priests are angry at what they see as the Vatican’s failure to punish senior officials who have been accused of covering up scandals.