Vatican to toughen up on abuse

Vatican drafting a document for all bishops' conference that promises to be a "coordinated and effective program"

After years of sexual abuse scandals the Church is now in the process of releasing a tough document to battle this epidemic. Cardinal William J. Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith says this program will have more teeth and encourage Bishops to deal with the abusive Priests more effectively. One of the ways is to work more closely with local law enforcement. The Cardinal said through a statement that "collaboration with civil authorities and the need for an effective commitment to protecting children and young people." He went on to add that they will call for "an attentive selection and formation of future priests and religious."


The program which began development last November in a Vatican meeting with Pope Benedict XVI and 150 Prelates, will not force Bishops to report Priests to law enforcement as some countries punish sexual abuse with death without a fair trial. However this program should give the green light in North America and Western Europe Dioceses to act swiftly to any allegations of abuse to be investigated by local law enforcement.


The meeting was held behind closed doors but a small group of sex abuse victims met outside with reporters. they called for the Church to release all the names of the Priests accused of sexual abuse.


For more information and other items from the November meeting check out Catholic News Services.