One of the issues being studied at the Summit on abuses is updating the canonical processes against accused priests of abuses.
LINDA GHISONI
Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life
“It is necessary to revise the current norms on pontifical confidentiality so that it protects the values it wants to protect, the dignity of the persons involved; and the good reputation of each one and the good of the Church.”
This was one of the points proposed by Linda Ghisoni, from the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life.
This criteria could be applied to cases when people after reporting an alleged abuse, may go years without receiving information about the process. This silence generates discomfort and mistrust, which the Adjunct secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith noted on the Summit's first day.
MSGR. CHARLES SCICLUNA
Member of the Organizing Committee
“We cannot leave the victims without information. We can't leave them, without knowing how the process has concluded.”
Linda Ghisoni explained transparency is important to building trust. However, one has to be prudent when deciding what information to disclose and what to keep confidential.
LINDA GHISONI
Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life
“In fact, unjustified confidentiality, like uncontrolled disclosure, can lead to miscommunication. To be accountable is also to know how to communicate.”
Linda Ghisoni also advised bishops to establish an independent advisory commissions in each of the bishops' conference. This is to assist them in cases of abuse.
She said transparency should not only be carried out because of social and institutional demands. It should also be done out of respect for the entire Catholic community.
