INTERVIEW
The Vatican released guidelines on Thursday for clerics to tell them what to do if reports of sexual assault are reported within the Church. A manual wanted by Pope Francis, which should make life easier for clergymen and show that the highest Catholic authorities take the matter seriously, while many cases, all over the world - including France - have tainted his image. "These are not new directives, but it is a new manual which makes it possible to hold together all the directives necessary to deal with a case, from denunciation to the end of the trial", analysis for Europe 1 Luc Crépy, bishop du Puy-en-Velay and head of the permanent unit to combat pedophilia.
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"We have put together all the elements which today allow church leaders to deal with a matter as soon as a fact is exposed," continues Bishop Crépy. "It was something that was eagerly awaited by bishops around the world. The word manual is very important, because it is something that can be also evolving, in which we can add other directives."
"This manual is made for victims too"
Luc Crépy also insists on another point: this manual is not made "simply for men of the church". "I think that this manual, being universal and accessible to all, is made for victims as well," says the clergyman. "It also gives them the elements that wanted clarity and transparency of what they must do, what they can do. There is also an encouragement for them to participate in this fight against sexual abuse. This is a manual that is open to everyone. "
And Monsignor Crépy to praise the efforts of the Church in the fight against pedophilia. "I think it does a lot of work. In France, we are working to lift the veil. I cannot tell you that the whole veil is lifted, but I think there is a will on the part of Pope Francis to say that the Church has to become a safe house. We have to move on, "he concluded.