In Rome, the Vatican has released a new set of in-house rules this week. According to the new rules, punishing priests that are found guilty of sexual abuse would be easier. Still, critics say that the revisions do not mark real change.
Under the new rules, the Holy See can quickly defrock any priest that is found guilty of child molestation or child sex abuse. The rules also extend the statute of limitations within church law in such cases. Additionally, the sexual abuse of mentally disabled people and possession of child pornography would be classified as canonical crimes for which priests can be immediately stripped of their clerical statuses.
The Vatican's internal prosecutor, Monsignor Charles Scicluna, said the new rules are "a step forward, because the norm of law is binding and is certain." Many factors within the new policy are already common practice, however until this past week, the force of canonical law was not imposed.
Critics are still oppositional as the new rules do not require bishops to report clerical sex abuse to law enforcement. Additionally, there are no canonical sanctions for those who are guilty of covering up abuse within the church.
If you were a victim of clergy abuse, you should contact the Zalkin Law Firm and discuss your case with a clergy abuse lawyer today!
Under the new rules, the Holy See can quickly defrock any priest that is found guilty of child molestation or child sex abuse. The rules also extend the statute of limitations within church law in such cases. Additionally, the sexual abuse of mentally disabled people and possession of child pornography would be classified as canonical crimes for which priests can be immediately stripped of their clerical statuses.
The Vatican's internal prosecutor, Monsignor Charles Scicluna, said the new rules are "a step forward, because the norm of law is binding and is certain." Many factors within the new policy are already common practice, however until this past week, the force of canonical law was not imposed.
Critics are still oppositional as the new rules do not require bishops to report clerical sex abuse to law enforcement. Additionally, there are no canonical sanctions for those who are guilty of covering up abuse within the church.
If you were a victim of clergy abuse, you should contact the Zalkin Law Firm and discuss your case with a clergy abuse lawyer today!
