Vatican Told to 'Expose and Remove' Child Abusers in the Catholic Church by United Nations

Express
February 5, 2014

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/458082/Vatican-told-to-expose-and-remove-child-abusers-in-the-Catholic-Church-by-United-Nations

The Vatican has been lambasted for its dealings with child abusers [EPA]

THE VATICAN has come under pressure from the United Nations to expose and ban all priests who are known and suspected child abusers.

The UN today denounced the Vatican for "systematically' adopting policies which have allowed priests to rape and molest tens of thousands of children for decades.

In a damning report, the United Nations watchdog for children's rights severely criticised the Holy See for its attitude toward child abusers, homosexuality, contraception and abortion.

Pope Francis had previously vowed to tackle child abuse within the Catholic Church, having set up a commission to fight preistly abuse. 

But according to the UN, the commission had yet to go far enough.

The report read: "The committee is gravely concerned that the Holy See has not acknowledged the extent of the crimes committed, has not taken the necessary measures to address cases of child sexual abuse and to protect children, and has adopted policies and practices which have led to the continuation of the abuse by, and the impunity of, the perpetrators."
It called upon the Commission to conduct an independent investigation and urged the Pope to establish clear rules when it comes to reporting abuse to the police.

Poignantly it also said The Vatican should open its files on members of the clergy who "concealed their crimes" so they can be held accountable.

The committee issued its recommendations after subjecting the Holy See to a day long interrogation last month on its implementation of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, the main international treaty ensuring children's rights.

The Vatican was questioned over why they would not release data and what they were doing to prevent future abuse.

The UN recommendations are not binding and do not have to be enforced.

The Vatican had no immediate comment on the report.