Rome, 10 august 2005 - During the week long celebration of World Youth Day in Cologne, the Radical Association Anticlericale.net will organise a demonstration to take place on the at 8 p.m. on 16th August in S. Peter Square. Anticlericale.net has been at the forefront in the struggle for a secular state and institutions, and for religious freedom, primarily for Catholics. This demonstration will support sexual freedom and freedom of conscience and denounce paedophiles, corrupt priests and paedophilic organisations.

By taking advantage of the status of sovereign state enjoyed by the Vatican City since 1962, the highest Vatican hierarchies have planned and carried out something whose true magnitude has been revealed only today: a protective cover for paedophilic priests which allows the diffusion and, for many of them, the repetition of offences perpetrated for years in absolute impunity. The Vatican is well aware of the existence and spread of such crimes, and so has approved new strict provisions with a view to "governing" the scandal - by means of an Instruction issued by the Supreme Holy Congregation of the Saint Office. In order to avoid that the facts to become public, excommunication is possible. Such provisions were confirmed in 2001 by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, Joseph Ratzinger at the time, Pope Benedict XVI today.

The scandal of paedophilic priests does not involve the recent US case only. It is not just a scandal, it is a crime, and it is not restricted to the American Church. Justice has begun its work, but as of yet, the Vatican has never declared having committed crimes relating to sexual abuse to judicial authorities - even though they had knowledge of them - nor has cooperated with investigations.

During the demonstration a comprehensive report will be given out to journalists.


For further information please call 0039.06.689.79220 or email us at pressoffice@anticlericale.net or visit us at http://www.anticlericale.net"