Priests defrocked for sex crimes
Print Edition
The Vatican revealed yesterday some 400 priests were defrocked during two years of the pontificate of now pope emeritus Benedict XVI for child sex abuse crimes, following an explosion in reported cases.
“In 2012 there were around 100, while in 2011 there were around 300. Some were as a result of a disciplinary procedures, others made a request,” Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said.
Scores more were defrocked in preceding years, after Benedict XVI, the Vatican’s former chief doctrine enforcer, was elected in 2005.
But the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests said these disciplinary measures were not enough.
“The pope must start defrocking clerics who cover up sex crimes, not just clerics who commit them. Until that happens, little will change,” the US-based victim support and campaign group said.
“Defrocking is more defense strategy than child protection,” it said, adding the rise was likely due to the fact more victims “are gaining the strength and courage to come forward.”
Starting in Ireland and the US more than a decade ago, revelations of sex crimes by clergy and subsequent cover-ups by their bishops began emerging around the world and rocked the Roman Catholic Church.
Benedict XVI, who resigned last year, vowed zero tolerance for offending priests and the Vatican has reported receiving thousands of reports of abuse from local dioceses.
The Vatican’s doctrinal watchdog, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which investigates abuses under Canon Law, does not usually make its work public.
It says this is done for the protection of victims and witnesses, although victim support groups say it shows a continuing lack of transparency on the issue.
A Vatican delegation earlier this week was pushed to provide answers to the United Nations over its commitment to stamp out abuse by priests in front of the UN’s child rights committee in Geneva.
Pope Francis said the scandals were “the shame of the Church” and has set up a committee to investigate claims and offer care for victims.
Campaigners say not enough is being done to cooperate with local police and judiciary, even though many claims have expired under statutes of limitations.
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