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 graviorihus 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.

On Wednesday Pope Benedict XVI has erected an Apostolic Exarchate for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in the United States and named Father Thomas Naickamparampil as its first Bishop. The pope also appointed him Apostolic Visitator for the Syro-Malankara Catholics in Canada and Europe.

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI appointed today Cardinal Marc Ouellet, presently Archbishop of Quebec and Primate of Canada, as new Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and President of the Commission for Latin America. Cardinal Ouellet has also been appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Quebec until he takes possession of his new ecclesiastical office in Rome.

• Letter of Congratulations on Appointment of Cardinal Marc Ouellet by CCCB President Bishop Pierre Morissette
• Statement on Appointment of Cardinal Marc Ouellet by CCCB President Bishop Pierre Morissette
• Biographical Notes - Cardinal Marc Ouellet
• Église catholique de Québec - Dossier spécial