July 16, 2020: VADEMECUM ON CERTAIN POINTS OF PROCEDURE IN TREATING CASES OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINORS COMMITTED BY CLERICS

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20200716_vademecum-casi-abuso_en.html

In response to numerous questions about the procedures to be followed in those penal cases for which it is competent, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has prepared this Vademecum, intended primarily for Ordinaries and other personnel needing to apply the canonical norms governing cases of the sexual abuse of minors by clerics.

The present manual is meant to serve as a handbook for those charged with ascertaining the truth in such criminal cases, leading them step-by-step from the notitia criminis to the definitive conclusion of the case.

While not issuing new norms or altering current canonical legislation, this manual seeks to clarify the various stages of the procedures involved.  Its use is to be encouraged, since a standardized praxis will contribute to a better administration of justice.