Pope promulgates new standards to prevent and fight abuse

Vatican City (AICA):Pope Francis promulgated the apostolic letter in the form of motu proprioYou are lux mundi(You are the voice of the world), in relation to the new measures that must be adopted to prevent and combat clergy badual abuse and concealment. It establishes the obligation for bishops and religious to denounce these badual crimes, in addition to violence, threats and abuse of authority.

Pope Francis promulgated the apostolic letter in the form of motu proprioYou are lux mundi(You are the voice of the world), regarding new measures to prevent and combat badual abuse by children and vulnerable people, as well as acts of violence, threats or abuse of power.

The press office of the Holy See emphasized in a statement that this pontifical document constituted an additional commitment of the Church in this area and was the fruit of the reflection and collaboration carried out during and after the summit of the antipederastias in February presidents of episcopal conferences and moderators of the main religious institutes participated.

You are lux mundiIt contains several innovative elements to promote better coordination between the dioceses and the Holy See.

In particular, all dioceses must establish stable and public access systems within one year to report cases of badual abuse and their coverage.

In addition, the motu proprio obliges all members of the clergy, men and women religious, to inform the competent ecclesiastical authorities of the abuses of which they are aware. Therefore, the notified cases will be verified and resolved in accordance with canon law.

With regard to reports against bishops, the motu proprio introduces procedural measures which are generally based on verification of what has been reported to the metropolis of the respective ecclesiastical province.

In addition, for the first time, deadlines are set for research, in addition to the procedures to be respected by the city, which may appeal to the specific professional contribution of the laity.

Finally, the motu proprio focuses on the care of the offended and the importance of being greeted, listened to and accompanied, offering them the medical and spiritual badistance they need .

It is with great desire that the new motu proprio, supported by prayer and encouraged by conversion, helps to eradicate the scourge of badual abuse of minors and vulnerable people, says the press service of the Holy See. +

Full text of the motu proprio