Keywords
Abuso sexual Abuso de autoridad Derecho canónico Consentimiento Política criminal Prevalimiento Jurisprudencia, Sexual abuse Abuse of authority Canon law Consent Criminal policy Prevalence (prevalimiento) Case law
El delito de abuso sexual a un adulto mediante abuso de autoridad
Abstract
El capítulo analiza la incorporación en el Derecho Canónico del delito de abuso sexual a un adulto mediante abuso de autoridad, introducido en la reforma del Libro VI (2021). Esta figura busca sancionar conductas en las que la autoridad eclesial se utiliza para obtener consentimiento viciado en relaciones sexuales, ampliando la protección más allá de menores y personas vulnerables. El autor examina la evolución normativa desde el CIC 1983, el motu proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi y la relación con el delito de abuso de potestad eclesiástica, destacando que este último no cubría supuestos sexuales. Se estudian los paradigmas de política criminal (moralismo legal, liberal consensual y formal/profesional) y se defiende el paradigma consensual, basado en la autonomía sexual y el consentimiento. El trabajo compara regulaciones civiles en España, Italia y Argentina, donde el abuso de autoridad se vincula a la asimetría de poder. También analiza jurisprudencia española sobre prevalimiento, subrayando que no basta la diferencia de edad: debe existir una relación jerárquica que restrinja la capacidad de decisión. Finalmente, se propone una interpretación restrictiva del sujeto activo (clérigos, miembros consagrados y fieles con oficio o dignidad) y se concluye que la tipificación responde a la necesidad de proteger la libertad sexual y la ejemplaridad eclesial.
The chapter examines the inclusion in Canon Law of the offense of sexual abuse of an adult through abuse of authority, introduced in the 2021 reform of Book VI. This provision aims to punish situations where ecclesial authority is misused to obtain vitiated consent for sexual acts, extending protection beyond minors and vulnerable persons. The author reviews the normative evolution from the 1983 CIC, the motu proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi, and its relation to the offense of abuse of ecclesiastical power, noting that the latter did not cover sexual misconduct. The text explores criminal policy paradigms (strict moralism, liberal consent-based, and formal/professional) and advocates for the consensual paradigm, centered on sexual autonomy and consent. It compares civil law approaches in Spain, Italy, and Argentina, where abuse of authority is linked to power asymmetry. Spanish case law on “prevalimiento” is analyzed, emphasizing that age difference alone is insufficient; a hierarchical relationship that restricts decision-making is required. The chapter proposes a restrictive interpretation of the active subject (clerics, consecrated members, and laypersons with office or dignity) and concludes that this new offense reflects the Church’s commitment to safeguarding sexual freedom and maintaining ecclesial integrity.
The chapter examines the inclusion in Canon Law of the offense of sexual abuse of an adult through abuse of authority, introduced in the 2021 reform of Book VI. This provision aims to punish situations where ecclesial authority is misused to obtain vitiated consent for sexual acts, extending protection beyond minors and vulnerable persons. The author reviews the normative evolution from the 1983 CIC, the motu proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi, and its relation to the offense of abuse of ecclesiastical power, noting that the latter did not cover sexual misconduct. The text explores criminal policy paradigms (strict moralism, liberal consent-based, and formal/professional) and advocates for the consensual paradigm, centered on sexual autonomy and consent. It compares civil law approaches in Spain, Italy, and Argentina, where abuse of authority is linked to power asymmetry. Spanish case law on “prevalimiento” is analyzed, emphasizing that age difference alone is insufficient; a hierarchical relationship that restricts decision-making is required. The chapter proposes a restrictive interpretation of the active subject (clerics, consecrated members, and laypersons with office or dignity) and concludes that this new offense reflects the Church’s commitment to safeguarding sexual freedom and maintaining ecclesial integrity.
Información detallada
Materias, derechos, colecciones e identificadores