Pope Francis' New Laws Get Mixed Reviews: Your Say

USA Today
July 14, 2013

http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/07/14/pope-francis-vatican-city-laws-your-say/2516601/

Pope Francis celebrates a Mass during his visit to the island of Lampedusa, Italy, on July 8

Pope Francis recently overhauled Vatican City laws, criminalizing the leaking of information and instituting harsher penalties for sex abuse. Comments from Twitter and Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

Anything that further protects people from any acts of potential harm is the right thing to do.

— @PlumbbobGreen

The criminalization of leaks is more proof that the Catholic Church is not the "one true church" as it claims. The "true" church is transparent. An authentic church of Christ has no secrets.

— Ken Foster

And what if materials that could be leaked contained information about child abuse? Would leaking that be illegal? It sounds to me that none of those people there really cares about the place at all as long as it provides them with a paycheck and protection.

— Mike Mallory

This is a positive change. The new pope is doing what he can. The whistle-blower law is more of the same, but at least the sexual abuse law is a step in the right direction.

— Joseph Damigella

Remember, the Vatican is an au-tonomous city state with the right to govern itself just like the U.S. or any other country. Like any government, Vatican City officials have confidential information. It's amazing they were able to exist so long without a "leak law."

As to the pedophiles, shame on the church.

Officials shouldn't need the rest of the world to call them out on it. They should have led the charge against the perverts in their ranks.

— Tracy Farthing

Pope Francis is a breath of fresh air! He is humble, inspiring and compassionate.

He is truly trying in earnest to follow Jesus' example, and to love others and help others as Jesus did. I thank God for Pope Francis and his light and leadership.

— @Michelle_4681