Prohibition against Wearing Ecclesiastical Dress by Secular Clerics as a Punishment for Crimes contra sextum cum minore

Abstract

The article examines the canonical legitimacy of imposing the punishment of prohibition of wearing ecclesiastical dress in the case of crimes contra sextum minore committed by clergy. They were included by the universal legislator among the most serious crimes reserved for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. It should be considered inevitable and necessary to impose expiatory penalties in the case of committing such crimes, and among the penalties that can be applied, the legislator lists the prohibition on wearing ecclesiastical dress. Although this punishment may not seem too burdensome at first glance, it nevertheless has a deep doctrinal justification, as the author shows by invoking canonical arguments. It also draws attention to the legitimacy of this penalty in the light of the principle of giving absolute priority to those who have been harmed. This principle should always be considered when imposing penalties for offences against the dignity of minors.