Writer: Atheist Republic
Subject: Pope Changes Catholic Law
Link: 19.06.2021 /Atheist Republic / Newsletter
Pope Changes Catholic Law to Criminalize the Sexual Abuse of Adults By Priests
Pope Francis has reformed Catholic Church law to specifically criminalize the sexual abuse of adults by priests who abuse their power. The law acknowledges that adults, not only children, can be victimized by priests who abuse their authority. The changes also say that lay people holding church positions, such as school principals or parish economists, can be punished for abusing minors and adults. The new rule, which is set to take effect on Dec 8th, also eliminates much of the discretion that long allowed bishops and religious superiors to overlook or hide abuse, making clear those in positions of authority will be held accountable if they fail to properly investigate or sanction predator priests. The Rev. Davide Cito, a lawyer at the Pontifical Holy Cross University, said the broadness of the law “allows it to protect many people” who might not fundamentally fall under the strict definition of “vulnerable” but are nonetheless deserving of protection.