A New Vatican commission will hear appeals from priests, bishops and other clergy members who have been accused of sexual abuse.
The seven-member college will be comprised of Bishops appointed by Pope Francis, according to an order from the Vatican released Tuesday. The judicial body will operate under the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and will allow clergymen accused of delicta graviora, or grave offenses involving the sacraments, to defend themselves against these claims. Cases involving high ranking Church officials such as bishops and cardinals will be heard by the entire Vatican congregation in addition to those serving on the college.
The Pope has been lobbying for such an institution since late May, reports the National Catholic Reporter, and says the new commission is necessary “due to the number of appeals and the need to ensure a more rapid examination of the same.”
According to the Vatican, the new college will focus on addressing allegations relating to the sexual abuse of minors and “abuses associated with the sacrament of Penance,” although several theological offenses fall under the category of delicta graviora, including the ordination of women. In addition to hearing appeals from accused clergymen, the council is expected to release regular reports on their proceedings.
Scandals involving sexual abuse and child molestation have recently plagued the Catholic Church. The Vatican’s new council will is intended to ensure that allegations of abuse are investigated quickly and that accused clergy have an opportunity to contest the allegations.
