In November 2024, survivors of clergy sexual abuse urged the Vatican to implement a universal zero-tolerance policy for priests guilty of sexual abuse. This initiative seeks to extend the stringent measures adopted by the U.S. Catholic Church in 2002, which mandate the permanent removal of any priest found guilty of a single act of sexual abuse, to Catholic institutions worldwide. Advocates argue that such a policy is essential to ensure consistent protection for children across all countries, addressing disparities in how abuse cases are handled globally. However, the proposal faces challenges due to resistance within the Vatican and cultural differences in addressing abuse. The Vatican's emphasis on "proportionality" in sentencing has led to less severe punishments in some regions compared to the U.S., highlighting the need for a standardized approach to clergy sexual abuse.

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