Vatican Church and Sexual Abuse - Article Example

Vatican Church strives to handle sexual abuse cases Sexual abuse is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and propagated consistently as societyprogresses to 21st century. Child sexual abuse is an indecent act that involves sexual exploitation of innocent kids and can be categorized into many behaviors. Sexual abuse can range from forcing an intercourse to inappropriate touching that also leads to violence at times. Sexual abuse is detriment to a child’s emotional, sociological, and physical health. Incest is the most common sexual abuse that are reported. Incest usually arises between a father and his daughter. There are many signs that can point towards a child being sexually abused. A common sign is when a child has a difficult time walking. In addition, the child might refuse to socialize or engage in any physical activity. Furthermore, if the child experiences nightmares and experiences a rapid decrease in appetite. All these factors are well indicators that the child is or is continuing to experience traumatic sexual abuse. One of the most shocking aspects of sexual abuse is that they have been a commonality in religious atmosphere. This startling reality can be seen in the Vatican Church, which has been criticized for covering up the issue. Unfortunately, many priests have been not only accused but have engaged in sexual abuse, which is damaging to the Church, society, and alarms parents. The Vatican Church is shocked at this fact and has started an investigation that will hold the priests accountable for their shameful act. Reverend Federico Lombardi, the head spokesman of the Church, firmly states the Church will approach the issue with “rigor and transparency.” However, these assurances have not been adequate as more victims are getting the courage to speak out against the priests. The Church must hold the priests responsible for these heinous acts, but the rules do not implement any of the “lip service” that Reverend insisted on. For example, the rules of the Church lack stature, as they do not make it obligatory for these crimes to be reported to officials even though the local law is clear and concise. Catholics globally are shocked at the fact that women are included in the list of grave acts. In addition, they were intrigued that the church believed pedophiles were the same as those who left the church or were heretics. Yet that was not the case as many priests accused, were still part of the church. This frustration of Catholics can be perfectly illustrated in this statement as Chritian Weisnar, one of the key members states, “It is very irritating that they put the increased severity in punishment for abuse and women’s ordination at the same level.” Weisnar and other catholic followers firmly think that the Church should stray away from the biasness towards a man-dominated church. Without a doubt, the Church is in a midst of debate as the traditionalists want the Church to be dominated by men, and that appointing a female will increase the severity of punishment. The Church is midst of all these issues still faces the problem of holding its priests responsible. Charles J. Scicluna, the lead prosecutor for the Vatican affairs, is responsible for dealing with all the sexual cases that the priests are accused of. Monsignor Scicluna is very stern on this issue as he states, “Sexual abuse and pornography are more grave delicts, they are an egregious violation of moral law.” Clearly, it is an embarrassment for the Church as they try to defend these pious men that are community leaders. He goes on to say that ordination of the females is no doubt serious, but it goes against the traditional perspectives of the Catholic moral law which is extremely sacred. A recent news conference that took place discussed the issues of sexual abuse that has plagued the Catholic Church. Monsignor Scicluna believes that new revisions in the law will reduce the instances of the issue as he states, “This gives a signal that we are very, very serious in our commitment to promote safe environments and to offer an adequate response to abuse.” Moreover, he believes that additional changes will be made if these modifications do not stop more cases of sexual abuse. These revisions not only make the process faster and easier for holding priests responsible for their acts, but the definition of “sexual abuse” has been expanded in this stature. For instance, child pornography and sexual abuse of mentally challenged children and adults have been added to the list. A priest convicted of any sexual abuse will be removed from the Church, unless the Church upholds the statute of limitations, and decides to investigate the case in a more personal level. However, many victims are still able to come forward and are afraid to speak against these men. Many still believe that these revisions were not adequate and do not impose severe punishment for the priests involved in sexual abuse. The gravity of sexual abuse cases that plagued the Catholic Church lead it to create an organization known as Bishopaccountability.org. This organization, which is also a website, enables the Church to follow up of any sexual cases internationally. Pope Benedict XVI, one of the most respectable figures in the Church has now the power to direct bishops to report any case of a sexual exploitation to the authorities, even if the common law does not require them to do so. Furthermore, he could impose any sort of penalty to any bishop or priest who either engages in an act of abuse, or fails to stop abuse in a case of being a witness. For decades, the Church has been bewildered and confused on how to approach these cases. Pope John Paul II during 2001 released a document saying that priest that has violated the human rights by engaging in a sexual activity must be reported to the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith. Yet, the document is not well published and hence escalated the confusion even more. Just recently in April, the Vatican took a decisive action and published an online set of regulations that discuss the matter of handling abuse, which includes reporting all the cases to Church administrators and law officials. Clearly, the Vatican Church is in the midst of turmoil as it struggles to report cases of sexual abuse. Without a doubt, the Church should continue to implement the necessary guidelines to hold the priests accountable for these heinous acts. The Church should not give any leeway to these priests for the acts they have committed. The Catholic community must regroup and collaborate effectively to stop the sexual abuse that has claimed so many victims. Works Cited Donadio, Rachel. “Vatican Revises Abuse Process, but Causes Stir.” New York Times. 15 July 2010. A8. Print Read More