Catholic Church: See Why Pope Removed ‘Pontifical Secrecy’ Rule

Pope Francis has abolished the “pontifical secret” used in clergy sexual abuse cases, after mounting criticism that the high degree of confidentiality has been used to protect paedophiles, silence victims and keep law enforcement from investigating crimes.

In a new document, the Pope decreed that information in abuse cases must be protected by church leaders to ensure its “security, integrity and confidentiality.”

But he said “pontifical secret” no longer applies to abuse-related accusations, trials and decisions under the Catholic Church’s canon law.

The Vatican’s leading sex crimes investigator, Archbishop Charles Scicluna, called the reform an “epochal decision” that will facilitate coordination with civil law enforcement and open up lines of communication with victims.

The Pope also raised the church’s definition of child pornography from age 14 and under to 18 and under Archbishop Luigi Ventura, who is accused of making unwanted sexual advances to young men, resigned