VATICAN CITY
Reuters
March 29, 2019
By Philip Pullella
Pope Francis on Friday made it compulsory in law to report the sexual abuse of children within the Vatican and in its diplomatic missions worldwide.
Although the city state within Rome is tiny, and very few children live there, the sweeping legal changes reflect a desire to show that the Catholic Church is finally acting against clerical child abuse after decades of scandals around the world.
The changes signed by the pope – who is Vatican head of state as well as head of the Church – make it obligatory for superiors and co-workers to report abuse allegations; punish failure to report with dismissal, fines or jail; and offer assistance to victims and families.
There are also provisions to protect vulnerable adults.
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