Sex Crimes and the Vatican (2006)
The 2006 documentary titled Sex Crimes and the Vatican delves into a dark chapter of the Catholic Church, exposing allegations of sexual abuse by priests and the institution’s efforts to conceal these heinous crimes. Here’s a comprehensive synopsis:
In the heart of the Vatican, where piety and reverence intertwine, a chilling secret lies buried—a secret that implicates the highest echelons of the Catholic Church. “Sex Crimes and the Vatican,” a 39-minute documentary presented by the BBC program Panorama, unveils this clandestine truth.
The film centers around Colm O’Gorman, a survivor who was brutally raped by a Catholic priest when he was just 14 years old. His journey of healing and discovery leads him to a document known as Crimen sollicitationis—a sinister blueprint that outlines how the Church should handle allegations of sexual abuse. Directed by Sarah Macdonald and filmed by David Niblock, the documentary is a stark exposé of the Church’s dark underbelly.
Crimen sollicitationis, translated as “On the Manner of Proceeding in Cases of the Crime of Solicitation,” was initially crafted in 1922. Ostensibly concerned with sexual solicitation during confession, it contained seventy-four paragraphs that established internal procedures for handling such cases within the curial court. However, over time, its reach extended beyond the confessional booth. The document encompassed cases involving homosexual conduct, obscene acts with preadolescent children, and even cruelty—regardless of whether these offenses were tied to the sacrament of penance.
The most damning revelation emerges: Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, who later ascended to the papacy as Pope Benedict XVI, enforced Crimen sollicitationis for a staggering 20 years. During this period, the Vatican wielded it as a weapon to silence victims, protect perpetrators, and perpetuate a culture of secrecy. The very institution meant to safeguard souls became complicit in their torment.
As the documentary unfolds, viewers witness the anguish of survivors and the betrayal of trust. Many Catholic bishops, priests, and laity expressed outrage at what they perceived as a clear bias against the Church. The program, they argue, failed to acknowledge the strides made by the Church in recent years to combat sex abuse. Yet, the shadows cast by cover-ups remain, implicating even high-ranking cardinals like Cormac Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor and Vincent Cardinal Nichols, both embroiled in abuser cover-up cases.
Sex Crimes and the Vatican serves as a stark reminder that no institution is immune to corruption. It lays bare the painful truth that some within the Church prioritized reputation over justice, leaving countless lives shattered in their wake. The echoes of Colm O’Gorman’s courage reverberate, urging us to confront the darkness, demand accountability, and protect the vulnerable.
