A motu proprio is a papal document, written as a personal response from the Holy Father to questions or petitions from individuals or groups. It is meant to be written in the Pope's own hand (motu proprio literally translates to "in his own hand"), and in this way it differs from other more official papal documents, such as an apostolic constitution or a papal bull.
Vos Estis Lux Mundi, or
You Are The Light Of The World, is the third motu proprio of Pope Francis' pontificate. It outlines rules established by the Church to fight sexual abuse and encourage accountability and transparency.
In a statement, Cardinal Archbishop Sean O'Malley of Boston explained the importance of this document: "During the past year it has become far more clear that the people of the Church and our wider society rightfully demand substantive action for disclosure, transparency, and accountability... and that all Church personnel, regardless of office, be subject to the same policies, procedures, and sanctions.
Vos Estis Lux Mundi is an important and substantive response to that demand. I am grateful to the Holy Father for his recognition of the critical need for these new policies and procedures and his actions to as best possible assure the protection of all the people we serve throughout the world."
