In 2002, the Catholic Church issued a set of guidelines for dealing with allegations of sexual abuse. These guidelines require that all allegations be promptly reported to law enforcement and that the accused be removed from ministry until the investigation is complete. The guidelines also include a provision for victims to receive compensation for their injuries.
In 2010, the Catholic Church established the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. This commission is tasked with developing policies and procedures to protect children from sexual abuse. The commission also provides training for clergy and other church workers on how to identify and report suspected cases of abuse.
The Catholic Church has also been working with law enforcement agencies around the world to investigate allegations of sexual abuse. In 2018, the Vatican released a list of over 3,400 clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse. This list is a significant step in the Church's efforts to hold accountable those who have committed these crimes.
The Catholic Church is committed to protecting children from sexual abuse. The steps that the Church has taken in recent years have made a real difference in the lives of victims and have helped to ensure that the Church is a safe place for children.