The Vatican has told bishops around the world they should report cases of clergy sex crimes to police even when not legally bound to do so, in its latest effort to compel church leaders to protect minors from predator priests.
Key points:
- The manual has been issued in six languages and goes beyond what current Vatican policy dictates
- Church authorities are directed to report suspected crimes to police, even when not required to do so by law
- It says anonymous allegations and hearsay cannot be dismissed outright