Pope Francis sharpens measures against sexual abuse

Until now, bishops and heads of religious orders had to report suspected abuse cases to the ecclesiastical authorities. According to the new rules of the so-called "Vos estis lux mundi", decreed by the Pope, also non-clergy who lead international Roman Catholic organisations acknowledged by the Vatican, must do so. That is reported by Catholic News Agency. The new measures against "delicts against the Sixth Commandment of the Decalogue" will come into force on April 30.

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In addition, the Pope has extended the definition of "abuse victim". Currently, the duty to report only applies when the potential victim is underage. From April 30 on, this duty will also apply when it concerns vulnerable people, for example, those with a mental disability or clergy who are still studying at a theological school.

The decree also requires dioceses and parishes to establish an office or organisation where abuse can be reported quickly and where the public can receive reports of abuse.

Learning

The Archbishop of Chicago, who is also part of the Vatican's task force for the protection of minors, says to Vatican News that it is good that Pope Francis made the regulations that he introduced in 2019, now definitive. "The document reflects that the Church has taken this seriously and is learning from its own experience."