The signature of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is on a confidential letter defending the Church's right to conduct secret investigations into alleged sexual abuse cases and keep the information confidential up to ten years after the victims had reached adulthood. The letter was sent to all Roman Catholic Bishops in May, 2001.
The letter states that the church's jurisdiction 'begins to run from the day when the minor has completed the 18th year of age' and lasts for 10 years.
According to the Ratzinger letter anyone revealing confidential information from the investigations could be subject to discipline up to and including ex-communication.
When approached for comment the Vatican press office had no comment as it claimed the letter was not a public document.
The letter is referred to in documents relating to a lawsuit filed earlier this year against a church in Texas and Ratzinger on behalf of two alleged abuse victims. By sending the letter, lawyers acting for the alleged victims claim the cardinal conspired to obstruct justice.
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