SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINORS BY CLERICS

THE DISCIPLINARY DIRECTIVES OF POPE FRANCIS

Abstract

Sexual abuse of minors committed by clerics and consecrated persons without any doubt has put a question mark on the moral credibility of the Church. Proclamation of the Gospel of Love would not be effective unless and until this issue is addressed in the most effective way. The efforts made during the pontificate of Pope Francis to prevent the occurrences of such heinous crimes that disfigure the face of the Church seek to ensure the protection of minors, and heal the wounds caused by those acts have been sincere attempts from the part of the Church to care for and protect the minors and the vulnerable adults. The stringent measures introduced to punish the clerics who have committed the crimes and their competent superiors, who either because of their negligence made it possible for the crime to occur or tried to cover it up, hints at the strong message that the Church means what it preaches.