VATICAN CITY
GMA News
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican unveiled changes to its law on Thursday that name the sexual abuse of children as a specific crime and aim to implement international anti-money laundering norms as the city state seeks to end years of scandal.
Under the changes, child prostitution, sexual violence and sexual acts with children and child pornography will be included in a broader definition of the category of crimes against minors, the Vatican said in a statement.
Issuing a “Motu Proprio,” a decree of his own initiative, Pope Francis also said he wanted to renew the Holy See’s commitment to international conventions against crimes such as money laundering and terrorism.
The reforms extend the criminal liability of officials and staff of the Roman Curia, making it possible to indict them even for crimes committed outside the Vatican city state.
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