Sexual abuse survivors urge Czech government to reject Vatican agreement

Survivors of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church have called on the Czech government to reject a newly signed agreement with the Vatican. They criticize the deal, particularly its provisions expanding confessional secrecy, which they believe could obstruct justice. The treaty, signed in October by Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party) and Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, still requires parliamentary approval and presidential ratification. In an open letter, survivors argued that the agreement could shield abusers by extending secrecy to "pastoral workers," who can be designated by the Church without clear criteria. They demand the agreement be suspended until victims' rights are fully addressed.