VATICAN CITY
Vatican Radio
[with audio]
(Vatican Radio) The Holy See has responded to the Concluding Observations of the Committee of the UN’s Convention Against Torture on the Holy See’s Initial Report. The Holy See has issued a Communiqué saying that the Observations contain several positive elements, as well as some few points that require further clarification and elucidation. he said, adding that the report also notes the Holy See’s efforts to institute reforms to prevent sexual abuse and to compensate and facilitate the care and healing of the victims of sexual abuse.
The Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN Offices and Organisations in Geneva, Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, spoke with Vatican Radio about the Committee’s Concluding Observations. He said, “[The Observations] reflect the Committee’s acknowledgement of the good faith efforts of the Holy See to comply [with] always and to advance the Convention Against Torture.”
Click below to hear the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN in Geneva, Archbishop Silvano Tomasi’s extended remarks to Vatican Radio
Below, please find the full text of the Communiqué from the Holy See
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Communique from the Holy See
The Committee for the Convention against Torture (CAT) has released an advanced unedited version of its Concluding Observations on the Initial Report of the Holy See. These Observations recognize that the Holy See has made many serious reforms in its procedures for dealing with the crime of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
The Concluding Observations include many positive outcomes that reflect the Committee’s acknowledgement of the good faith efforts of the Holy See to comply with the CAT, to institute reforms to prevent sexual abuse; and to compensate and facilitate the care and healing of the victims of sexual abuse. These positive outcomes include:
The Committee appreciated “the open and constructive dialogue with the high-level delegation” of the Holy See (paragraph 3).
The Committee did NOT conclude that the Holy See, its officials, and those acting on its behalf, in conjunction with it, or under its direction or control have violated the CAT.
In the process, Committee acknowledged that the Holy See and Catholic dioceses and religious orders have instituted important efforts to prevent sexual abuse against minors and others (paragraph 6, 9, 10, and 14).
The Committee acknowledged that many Catholic dioceses and religious orders have provided financial settlements to victims of sexual abuse (paragraph 16). Though not mentioned in the concluding observations, an estimated $2.5 billion has been paid to victims since 1950 and $78 million has been paid for the provision of therapy and other support.
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