Given what we see in these cases involving teenagers, it seems like it wouldn't be a bad idea to raise the age of consent to 18.
The Church's charities provide a staggering amount of services all over the globe. The detestable actions by (a small number of) the clergy do not invalidate all the good work it does.
As per your article, there already is law that makes sex with a 16 or 17-year old illegal if you're in a position of authority (such as priest). Not to mention many of these kids are below 16 to begin with. There is simply no possible way they can claim the kids consented. None. I don't see how anyone with even a cursory understanding of the law can fall for such a defence. Any judge "falling for it" should be investigated.
Because you're supposed to mean it and "lol sorry right before i die" doesn't exactly mean it. It's more along the lines of "I don't wanna live in hell forever, pls forgive.. I'm just sorry so I'm not fucked for eternity."
A good Heaven lawyer wil argue that if you premeditate your repentance it is not a repentance at all and it is void. Thing is, there is no lawyer in Heaven, they are all in Hell.