Extrajudicial resolution in a controversial case
A monk from the Monastery of Poblet, involved in an incident of sexual abuse to a minor in 2021, has reached an agreement with the affected family. Rafel Barruè, abbot of the monastery, has confirmed this information in a recent interview with ACN.
Agreement details and consequences
Although the exact terms of the agreement have not been revealed, Barruè has indicated that it includes economic compensation and a 200 -meter removal order towards the victim. Since the revelation of the facts, the monk has separated from the religious services out of respect for the family, which regularly attends the ceremonies.
An incident that shake the community
On August 25, 2021, the monk was detained after a German tourist wore suspicious behaviors between him and a five -year -old girl during a mass. The tourist recorded the scene, which led to a complaint that culminated in the arrest of the monk, who later accepted his guilt for a single touch.
Implementation of a new security protocol
Due to this incident, the Poblet Monastery has developed a security protocol, in collaboration with the Vicki Bernadet Foundation, to prevent sexual abuse, with a special approach to the protection of minors.
Measures taken for child safety
Some of the measures include a ban on monks alone with minors, as well as restricted access to the internal hostel for people under the age of 18, a common practice until recently.
Church’s commitment to the crisis of abuse
At the same time, Pope Francis has urged all religious orders to establish protocols to deal with abuses within the church. In the last synod of the Cistercian Order, this problem began to be addressed, and a commission has been created to develop measures that will have an impact in the coming years.
Reflections on the judicial system
Abbot Barruè has expressed concern about the slow rhythm of the judicial system, which has complicated the resolution of the case. He says that a ‘mess’ has been generated in the process, which has not yet ended with the final agreement.
