Vatican court condemns publication of ‘credibly accused’ lists

November 02, 2026

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CWN Editor's Note: Echoing earlier decisions of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, the Roman Rota condemned the publication of lists of clergy and religious who have been deemed “credibly accused” of sexually abusing minors, but have never been the subject of a trial.

In a 2025 decision published recently in English, the Rota ruled against a religious institute that had published a “credibly accused” list. The canonical suit was brought by a former member—now a married layman—who argued that the publication of his name without an opportunity for self-defense inflicted immense damage upon him.

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• Posted by: feedback - Today 7:19 AM ET USA

  I take this new Roman Rota's decision as a sign of things getting more just, which is more Christian, in the Church. In this case especially, late is much better than never.