Pope Francis abolishes the pontifical secret used in clergy sexual abuse cases, after criticism it has been used to protect paedophiles, silence victims and keep law enforcement from investigating crimes.
Pope Francis has abolished the"pontifical secret" used in clergy sexual abuse cases, after mounting criticism that the high degree of confidentiality has been used to protect paedophiles, silence victims and keep law enforcement from investigating crimes.
The Vatican's leading sex crimes investigator, Archbishop Charles Scicluna, called the reform an"epochal decision" that will facilitate coordination with civil law enforcement and open up lines of communication with victims. Prominent abuse advocate Marie Collins said the reform was"excellent news" that abuse survivors and their advocates had been pressing for."At last a real and positive change," she tweeted.
The Pope also raised from 14 to 18 the cut off age below which the Vatican considers pornographic images to be child pornography.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Shayna Jack to use 'kiss cocaine' defence in doping caseAustralian swimmer Shayna Jack says she will use a case involving a Canadian pole vaulter to help prove her innocence in the ASADA doping case against her.
Read more »
Push to remove all art from Parliament House after scrapping of arts departmentAfter Prime Minister Scott Morrison decided to axe the federal arts department, artists and members of the public are hitting back online - calling for all art to be pulled from the walls of parliament
Read more »
Cheating boyfriend blames girlfriend for his affairA woman has spoken out about being gaslighted by an ex partner, revealing he’d make cruel comments about their sex life in order to justify his cheating behaviour.
Read more »
Judge warns child sex-accused swim instructor not to put 'one toe' on sand this summerA judge tells 21-year-old Kyle Daniels, who pleaded not guilty to 26 sexual abuse charges earlier this year, he would breach his bail if be put one toe on the sand this holiday season.
Read more »
NSW backs down on Basin Plan threat as Victoria refuses to open its booksNSW backed down from its threat to withdraw from the Murray Darling Basin Plan, while Victoria has refused to participate in a review of water-sharing rules.
Read more »