The move is part of new measures to prevent sexual abuse of minors within the walls of the Vatican.
By Chico Harlan Chico Harlan Rome bureau chief covering southern Europe and sometimes parts beyond Email Bio Follow March 29 at 8:19 AM ROME — Pope Francis on Friday issued new requirements for both Vatican officials and diplomats serving the Holy See abroad, mandating them to report suspected sexual abuse to Vatican judicial authorities, at the risk of fines and jail time.
Francis, in a letter, said there was a duty to report abuses “to the competent authorities” and to cooperate with them “in the activities of prevention.” Officials who fail to report suspected abuse face fines of up to 5,000 euros or six months in prison. Previously, activists had said it had been a fitting symbol that the Catholic Church — overwhelmed by global abuse cases — didn’t have up-to-date policies to protect children in its own backyard. Several years ago, the Vatican had asked national episcopal conferences to draw up abuse-related guidelines. But the 110-acre city-state had never done so for itself.
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