NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      ROME (CWNews.com) - A new manual for Vatican workers warns them not to divulge pontifical secrets to the press under penalty of termination and tells them not to give interviews without permission, according to Italian media on Thursday.

      The new manual, which replaces an earlier 1992 manual, takes effect on July 1 and covers laity and clergy alike. Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano in the introduction to the manual reportedly said Pope John Paul II approved the manual in April.

      Among the regulations in the manual, priests are required to wear cassocks and laity dress decorously and employees must live according to Christian morality, avoid joining groups incompatible with the Christian faith, and not seek compensation for performing official duties. They are also bound by pledges to "maintain secrecy on each official act," according to the media reports.

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