VATICAN LEGALIZED RESPONSIBILITY FOR SEXUAL ABUSE FOR FIRST TIME

Pope Francis approved legislative amendments to the Code of Canon Law. Now, sexual abuse by priests and people working in the church will imply real responsibility.

The Code is the legal system of the Catholic Church - more than 1.3 billion people are subordinate to it. It is noted that not only minors, but also adults can be victims of violence. Previously, the Vatican adhered to the position that if sexual contact occurred with an adult, it meant that he or she had given consent for it.

The Pope decided to make changes after the #Metoo flash mob.

During the course of the movement, many stories of nuns and seminary students sexually abused by workers of the Catholic Church were made public. After that, the Vatican changed its position, stating that adults can also be victims.

Now the Catholic Church will provide responsibility for hiding and ignoring such cases, as well as persuading people to pornography. The Vatican intends to take away the rank and position from all persons involved in such cases.

The innovation will come into effect in December 2021.