Pope Francis Criminalizes Pedophile Acts by Vatican Clergy

Teresa Neumann : Jul 12, 2013
Charisma News

Issuing a "Motu Proprio" Pope Francis has updated Vatican law to specify sexual violence against children as a crime and impose tough penalties for staff who leak confidential Vatican information.

Under the reported changes, sexual violence and sexual acts with children, child prostitution and child pornography are cited in a broader definition of crimes against minors and punishable by up to 12 years in prison.

The legal changes are currently applicable only in Vatican City, but are said to demonstrate the new pope's determination to take the problem seriously and align Church policy with international legal standards.