“You may be surprised at the power you find in the Bible,” says Fr Pádraig McCarthy.

In order that the phenomena of sexual abuse, in all their forms, never happen again, “a continuous and profound conversion of hearts is needed, attested by concrete and effective actions that involve everyone in the Church,” says Pope.

The motu proprio ‘Magnum Principium’ comes into effect on 1 October 2017. It decentralises the process for approving translations of liturgical texts, and returns responsibility back to national bishops’ conferences.

The new Apostolic Letter ‘Come una madre amorevole’ (As a Loving Mother) is an attempt to make bishops accountable for their handling or mishandling of abusive priests.

Motu proprio ‘The Lord Jesus, the Gentle Judge’ is intended to show the Church’s “closeness to wounded families”.

“It will probably not help Catholics who are validly married and who unfortunately are in trouble with their relationship.”

New Secretariat for Communications will act as umbrella for nine communications offices including Pontifical Council for Social Communications and Vatican Radio.

New college is aimed at tackling the backlog of appeals by accused clerics.

Motu proprio increases powers over IOR and its financial activities.