The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, today, released the modifications introduced to the "Norms concerning the most serious crimes" which includes sexual abuse committed by a priest against a minor under the age of eighteen. This new document provides an official and updated legal text which is valid for the whole Church.

In order to facilitate the reading of the Norms by a non-specialist public, particularly interested in the problems of sexual abuse, Vatican Press Office Director, Fr. F. Lombardi issued a note highlighting a number of important aspects.

Useful link :

Summary of the Modifications to the Normae de graviorius delictis prepared by the Episcopal Conference of the United States

For further information about the “Norms concerning the most serious crimes”, please contact the Press Office of the Holy See.

For information pertaining to the sexual abuse policy in effect in your diocese, please see the list of dioceses.