On 11 November 2014, Il Bollettino announced a papal Rescript on the establishment of a new judicial body, a college within the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, for the consideration of appeals relating to graver offences (delicta graviora) of the clergy.[1] This had become necessary on account of the backlog of appeals from clergy against whom allegations of abuse had been made. The purpose of this new body is to speed up the hearings and rulings on appeals of priests who have been laicised or otherwise disciplined for delicta gravoria. It will comprise seven cardinals and bishops appointed by the Pope, although these need not necessarily be members of the CDF. Continue reading →