These new regulations, which will come into effect from April thirtieth this year, replacing the previous version issued in May 2019, also reaffirm the continued fight against irregularities and crime.
Marina Raj – Vatican
In a statement issued on Saturday, March 25, Pope Francis motu proprio, that is, of his own free will, published the updated rules of “Vos estis lux mundi” to prevent and combat sexual abuse against minors and adults.
Following a four-year trial period following other regulatory reforms introduced in 2019, a new version of Pope Francis’ “Vos estis lux mundi” containing new rules to prevent and combat sexual abuse within the Catholic Church was published on Saturday after consultation with bishops and heads of dioceses.
These new regulations, which will come into effect from April thirtieth this year, replacing the previous version issued in May 2019, also reaffirm that the fight against irregularities and crime will continue.
These new rules relate to sexual misconduct by bishops in charge of leading a particular denomination, high officials of the Church community, and high officials of international organizations recognized by the Church or created by the Church.
A number of other changes have been introduced to align with other regulatory reforms introduced in 2019 to date on anti-malpractice practices. In particular, the motu proprio “Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela”, the revisions to Book VI of the Canons (reform of 2021), and the promulgation of the “Praedicate Evangelium” in 2022, along with the new constitution of the Council of Ministers, are noteworthy.
Office of the Vatican
While earlier it was said that no conditions could be imposed on the whistleblower, this protection is now being extended and the section is being asked to protect the personal legal protection of the whistleblowers, the reputation of all concerned and the presumption of innocence of the accused while they await their verdict.
While dealing with sexual activity with a minor or vulnerable person, the new version also emphasizes the sixth commandment, Thou Shalt Not Kill.
Facilities should be created to facilitate the reporting of abuses, and the task of continuing the investigation is the responsibility of the bishop of the place where the alleged incidents took place.
It emphasizes that bishops, high officials of the ecclesiastical ministry, and heads of ecclesiastical international associations must take responsibility for their work and report any abuses they become aware of.
The document says it should cover not only abuse of minors and vulnerable adults, but also violence against women by clergy, sexual abuse, and abuse of adult seminary students and novices.