Italy's Bishops, Using Vatican Advice, Say No Obligation to Tell Authorities about Sex Abuse

Star Tribune
March 28, 2014

http://www.startribune.com/world/252925981.html

Italy's bishops have adopted a Vatican-backed sex abuse policy that says they have no obligation to inform police if they suspect a child has been molested.

The Italian Bishops' Conference said the guidelines published Friday reflected suggestions from the Vatican's office that handles sex abuse investigations.

Victims have long denounced how bishops systematically covered up abuse by shuffling pedophile priests around while keeping prosecutors in the dark. Only in 2010 did the Vatican instruct bishops to report abuse to police — but only where required by law.

The Italian guidelines cite a 1985 treaty between the Vatican and Italy stipulating that clergy aren't obliged to tell magistrates about information obtained through their religious ministry. The guidelines remind bishops, however, they have a "moral duty" to contribute to the common good.