The Vatican has published an internet guide to procedures for handling allegations of sexual abuse. The rules make clear that bishops must report priests who assault children to the police and state that "civil law concerning reporting of crimes to the appropriate authorities should always be followed".

The guidelines are not new. They are based on rules drawn up five years ago by the Vatican. However, they have now been published on the internet in a short, simple format to make them more open and to help churches dealing with such allegations.

The Roman Catholic church is currently embroiled in scandals about child abuse by its priests in several countries, among them the United States, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands.

You can find the guidelines at the Vatican's official website: www.vatican.va.