(April 13, 2010): With a 14-paragraph guideline, the Vatican is seeking to clarify
the procedures it follows when a priest is accused of sexual abuse. The guideline
was posted on the Vatican’s Web site on Monday. The guide is not a new document,
but simply a summary of procedures that have already been defined. It can be an aid
for laypeople and those, who are not canon lawyers. In the midst of allegations from
the media that the Church has sought to cover up these scandals, the document affirms
clearly: “Civil law concerning reporting of crimes to the appropriate authorities
should always be followed.” It also clarifies that should the cleric be judged guilty,
both judicial and administrative penal processes can condemn a cleric to a number
of canonical penalties, the most serious of which is dismissal from the clerical state.
Regarding cases, when referred to the Pope, the document notes -“In very grave
cases, where a civil criminal trial has found the cleric guilty of sexual abuse of
minors, or where the evidence is overwhelming, the Congregation for the Doctrine of
the Faith, CDF, may choose to take the case directly to the Holy Father with the request,
that the Pope issue a decree of "ex officio" dismissal from the clerical state. There
is no canonical remedy against such a papal decree. “The CDF also brings to the Holy
Father requests by accused priests who, cognizant of their crimes, ask to be dispensed
from the obligation of the priesthood and want to return to the lay state.”