Zero Tolerance

Despite four decades of public exposure of widespread sexual abuse, there is still no universal law in the Catholic Church that requires that Catholic leaders who have sexually abused children or vulnerable people be permanently removed from ministry. Nor is there any independent mechanism to hold bishops accountable for covering up abuse. In response, SNAP has endorsed a binding, universal Zero Tolerance Law—a clear, enforceable policy that would mandate the removal of abusive clerics and establish consequences for those who conceal their crimes. The tenets of this policy have been publicly supported by the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and Against Torture (CAT), and reinforced by numerous civil investigations across the globe. Yet, despite widespread advocacy and international pressure, Pope Francis has refused to enact this law. SNAP is calling on the next pope to adopt this policy immediately upon election—making zero tolerance not just an “aspiration” or “approach,” but the official law of the Catholic Church.

• Any priest, nun, religious, or lay leader who has been found to have abused a child or vulnerable person must be immediately and permanently removed from ministry.

• Canon law must clearly define sexual abuse as a violation of the victim’s life, dignity, and freedom rather than a violation of the sixth commandment.

• An independent compliance agency must be formed to investigate, document, and publicly identify persons in positions of church authority responsible for enabling and concealing abuse.

• The results and investigations of investigations must be made public.

• Church officials who are found to have enabled and concealed abuse must face penalties including removal from office, removal of their title, and removal from ministry as the case warrants.