The background checking scheme will initially be rolled out in 10 churches in Canada's Québec province. It will also prevent those in "high risk" roles from being alone with children without having at least two adults who have undergone checks present.
This expands on a pilot project called "Responsible Pastoral Ministry" launched within churches in the city last year that imposed screening processes for those working and volunteering within the diocese.
It is hoped the screening process will act as a deterrent for anyone wanting to harm not only children but other vulnerable people, such as the sick or the elderly.
Fr Bertrand Montpetit, a pastor at St Luke Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal in Dollard-des-Ormeaux said: "If someone would like to do something wrong or abuse anyone, knowing there's all this filtering, they won't ask to become volunteers in our church."
He also explained that Confession - a Catholic sacrament that requires speaking to a priest about one's sins - will be administered to children in the presence of other people, but privacy will be maintained.
Bishop Thomas Dowd, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Montreal said implementing the plan wasn't "even a question" and that it "has to happen".
He added: "The Catholic Church has to be the safest place for the vulnerable."
The prints will be kept as individual records on file, allowing authorities to cross-check church staff.
It is understood that by 2020 all 194 of the diocese's churches and ministries will have to follow these rules.
