The church’s response to minors sexual abuse by clerics

Media hype about minors sexual abuse by clerics makes an impression as if the Church didn’t react to this problem. That loud and aggressive action of mass media is not true. The above article, which contains an overview of different papal speeches and documents, as well as Roman Curia’s commitment, especially Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith commitment, manifest very active and multifaceted Church’s response to the problem. It is necessary to emphasise the important influence of pope Benedict XVI. Since he was a prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith he endeavoured to conform to rules of penal canon law in a consistent and explicit way. Along with the development of the universal law the particular law came into being. It constitutes a supplement to general legislation and demands recognition from the side of The Holy See. In each situation concerning the crimes against morals committed by clergy, it is essential to face the problem i.e. to show compassion and help to the victims and to explain the whole truth about what had really happened. If a clergyman is guilty of a crime then, in the name of love and truth, it is necessary to apply canonical penalties. The important part of solving a problem is to apply formation rules consistently: a proper recognition of vocation and human formation in an emotional and sexual space. Finally, clergymen have to interpret the universal call to holiness more intensively. Crisis, which touched the Church, is also an opportunity to thorough purification of the Church and to renew commitment to apostolic holiness. Through preaching truth about God and human, and at the same time setting requirements for the worshippers, especially for the clergymen, the Church leads people to holiness and salvation