The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has asked every Bishops’ Conference in the world to prepare ‘Guidelines’ by May 2012 for dealing with cases of sexual abuse of minors by clergy, “in ways appropriate to specific situations in different regions”.
In its “Circular Letter,” the Congregation offers suggestions to “facilitate the formulation” of the guidelines and “ensure consistency at the level of the universal Church”, while respecting “the competence of bishops and major religious superiors”.
Below you will find two downloads. Firstly, the full letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Secondly, a note from Fr Federico Lombardi, Director of the Holy See’s Press Office.
Download
CDF Letter to Bishops: Developing Safeguarding Guidelines
CDF Letter on Developing Safeguarding Guidelines: Fr Lombardi note
