Pope’s role in sex abuse cover-up
He was the author of a May 2001 letter firmly reminding his fellow cardinals and bishops that the ‘crimine solicitationies’ law (regarding strict secrecy in sex abuse cases) was still in effect.
By means of this letter the Vatican instructed Catholic bishops around the world to cover up cases of sexual abuse or risk being thrown out of the Church.
The 69-page Latin document bearing the seal of Pope John XXIII was sent to every bishop in the world.
The instructions outline a policy of “strictest” secrecy in dealing with allegations of sexual abuse and threatens those who speak out with excommunication.
They also call for the victim to take an oath of secrecy at the time of making a complaint to Church officials.
It states that the instructions are to be “diligently stored in the secret archives of the Curia (Vatican) as strictly confidential. Neither is it to be published nor added to with any commentaries.”
The policy of “strictest secrecy” forbids the victims of reported abuses, as well as cardinals, bishops and clergy from informing the police.
Bishops are instructed to pursue these cases “in the most secretive way... restrained by a perpetual silence... and everyone... is to observe the strictest secret which is commonly regarded as a secret of the Holy Office... under the penalty of excommunication”.
Patrick Geaney
13 South Bank Estate
Swords
Co Dublin
