News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Pope-Francis-and-Benedict-Main_article_image.jpg
Sipa USA/Rex
World News

Vatican legal system protected accused clergy, says Benedict

Corriere della Sera quoted from an 18-page document titled The Church and the sex abuse scandal, which was published by the German monthly Klerusblatt.

Benedict wrote that during the 1980s and 1990s, "the right to a defence was so broad as to make a conviction nearly impossible".

He took a hard line against clerical sex abuse as the Vatican's conservative doctrine chief, and later as pope, defrocking hundreds of priests accused of raping and molesting children.

Last month, Pope Francis unveiled extensive new sex abuse legislation for Vatican personnel and Holy See diplomats. 

Wikimedia Commons

It required allegations of abuse to be reported to Vatican prosecutor immediately.

The changes came three months after the Catholic Church said it shall "never again" cover up sexual abuse perpetrated by its clergy.

AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI joined Pope Francis at the Mass

 Pope Francis made the promise during a Christmas address to Vatican officials in December 2018.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate