GENEVA
BBC News
The UN has denounced the Vatican for “systematically” adopting policies allowing priests to sexually abuse thousands of children.
The UN watchdog for children’s rights said the Holy See must “immediately remove” all clergy who are known or suspected child abusers.
It heavily criticised the Vatican’s attitudes towards homosexuality, contraception and abortion.
The Vatican has set up a commission to fight child abuse in the Church.
It is expected to issue a statement on the report later on Wednesday.
The committee’s recommendations are non-binding and there is no enforcement mechanism.
‘Offenders’ mobility’
In its report, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) said the Holy See should open its files on members of the clergy who “concealed their crimes” so that they can be held accountable.
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