Civil liability of ecclesiastical entities in Italian jurisprudence

Abstract

This article analyzes the Italian case law on the civil liability of ecclesiastical entities, with particular regard to compensation for damage deriving from crimes committed by clerics or religious. The contribution also highlights the current criticisms of the relationship between canon law and Italian civil law, with particular reference to the frequent incorrect interpretation of canon law by Italian judges, who tend to configure the responsibility of ecclesiastical bodies in terms of strict liability pursuant to art. 2049 of the Italian Civil Code.