Pope Francis has published today a strict legislation obliging priests, monks and nuns to report any suspicion of sexual misconduct or abuse, as well as any cover up of such incidents by the Church’s hierarchy.
Dioceses around the world are required to have a system in place to confidentially receive the claims of the public regarding sexual abuse reports, which will be examined within 90 days.
The new rules were set out in a “Motu Proprio,”, ie a letter issued personally by Pope Francis, which modifies Church law (Canon Law).
The Pontiff asks the confidentiality of confession to be absolutely preserved, something that excludes the denunciation of events reported by the believers in the confessional.
In the introduction of his apostolic letter, Pope Francis points out that “The crimes of sexual abuse offend Our Lord, and cause physical, psychological and spiritual damage to the victims.”
“Therefore, it is good that procedures be universally adopted to prevent and combat these crimes that betray the trust of the faithful,” he added in his letter.
Source: ANA-MPA
