Church leaders who fail to take
action in connection with sexual abuse cases should be removed,
according to the first annual report issued Tuesday by the
Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
"Over its 10 years of service, the Commission has seen Church
leaders being the object of past administrative actions and/or
inactions which were a further source of evil for
victims/survivors of sexual abuse", said the report.
"Such a reality reveals the need for a disciplinary or
administrative procedure providing an efficient path towards the
resignation or removal from a post", noted the report, which
highlighted the need for a document "like an Encyclical
dedicated to the protection of the child and of vulnerable
adults in the Church's life".
Pope Francis set up the panel of experts in December 2014
following widespread reports of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy
and its cover-up.
The report published Tuesday also highlighted the importance of
compensating victims "as a concrete commitment" to promoting
their healing.
The Commission explained that the Church's compensations should
not only be of a financial nature but include "a wider spectrum
of actions", including a public apology.
It said the next edition of the report will thus investigate
the "pillar of reparations" although economic compensation will
"remain particularly relevant".
The Commission meanwhile said the Church in Italy had promoted
"good practices" against abuse, together with those of France,
Belgium, Ireland and Germany.
However, it said the European Church had not made enough
progress in fighting abuse.
"Victims' groups have reported that, in some countries, the
Church's reputation appears to be prioritized over the
protection of victims and survivors", also said the report.
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