Similarities between Canon Law and Public Interest Immunity 

There are startling parallels between public interest immunity (PIIs) and Canon Law. Both PIIs and Canon Law have been consistently used to cover up institutional systematic abuse, paedophilia and human trafficking. Canon Law has protected paedophile priests for decades, giving them immunity from prosecution.

Currently, the wrong usage of Canon Law and public interest immunity clauses have rendered paedophiles, murderers and their associates ‘legally untouchable’

Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA) is a global network of human rights defenders and survivors working together to end clergy abuse and impunity. This group is pushing to change Canon Law. A change in Canon Law will impact a case close to my heart. 

With members across 21 countries, ECA advocate for justice, truth, and child protection, demanding accountability from religious institutions worldwide.
They are there to support victims, expose systemic cover-ups, and push for global reforms – because silence protects the abuser, not the child.

The sexual abuse of children within the Catholic Church remains a global crisis, with countless victims still seeking justice. Pope Francis has long advocated for a “Zero Tolerance” policy, but this principle has yet to be fully implemented. 

The Vatican's child protection commission 100-page report emphasised the "importance of a streamlined protocol for the resignation and/or removal of Church leaders or personnel in cases of abuse or negligence".

It said victims and survivors stressed the "urgent need for bishops and major superiors to be held accountable for negligence and cover-up was repeatedly stressed".

It also relayed concerns about information not being provided to victims on how their reports of abuse were being handled, and said the public should know when a Church official had resigned or been removed due to abuse or negligence.

On October 20th 2025, ECA met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. 

VATICAN CITY — In a historic and hopeful step toward greater cooperation, the Board of Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA Global), an international coalition of survivors and human rights advocates, met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, marking a significant moment of dialogue between the Catholic Church and advocates representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse from more than 30 countries.

The meeting followed a letter sent by ECA earlier this year to the newly elected Pope. In a gesture of openness, Pope Leo XIV responded positively, welcoming the opportunity for a direct and respectful conversation about the path forward.

“The Church has a moral responsibility to support survivors and prevent future harm,” added Tim Law, ECA Co-founder and Board Member from the U.S. “Our goal is not confrontation, but accountability, transparency, and a willingness to walk together toward solutions.”

During the meeting, ECA Global shared its Zero Tolerance Initiative, emphasising the importance of consistent global standards, survivor-centered policies.

ECA Global has been at the forefront of international efforts to end clergy abuse and ensure institutional accountability. The Board concluded the meeting by emphasising the urgent need for continued dialogue, compassion, and collaborative action to build a future where safety, accountability, and dignity are not only upheld but where the voices of survivors lead the way.

As the old saying goes, ‘ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME’.

There are survivors who are victims of both CANON LAW and unlawful PIIs. Survivors want the CANON LAW CHANGED TO CONVICT PAEDOPHILE PRIESTS/CANONS AND THEY WANT UNLAWFUL Public Interest Immunities (PIIs) OPENED UP TOO! 

Justice for everyone, not just the few! 

More about this story here… https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cev1e7kw0d3o