In more than a third of cases, appeals panel has sharply reduced penalties on priests convicted of sexual abuse
Pope Francis has promised a policy of zero tolerance against sex abuse.
PHOTO: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/GETTY IMAGES
By
Francis X. Rocca
By
Francis X. Rocca
Dec. 21, 2018 3:21 p.m. ET
VATICAN CITY—A little-known Vatican appeals panel established by Pope Francis has sharply reduced penalties meted out to priests convicted of sexual abuse under church law in more than a third of the cases that have come before it, drawing criticism from some bishops who favor a harder line.
The pontiff has promised a policy of zero tolerance against sex abuse, and critics say the decisions of the panel, composed of eight cardinals and bishops, undermine that message. In some instances, the panel has reinstated clerics expelled...
VATICAN CITY—A little-known Vatican appeals panel established by Pope Francis has sharply reduced penalties meted out to priests convicted of sexual abuse under church law in more than a third of the cases that have come before it, drawing criticism from some bishops who favor a harder line.
The pontiff has promised a policy of zero tolerance against sex abuse, and critics say the decisions of the panel, composed of eight cardinals and bishops, undermine that message. In some instances, the panel has reinstated clerics expelled...
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