Pope Francis set up a special abuse commission in 2014 in order to root out abusive priests
Cardinal Seán O'Malley, President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors released a statement saying that it is the "moral and ethical responsibility" to report all and any allegations of abuse to the authorities.
There had been confusion after it was suggested the onus was on the alleged victim and their family to report abuse, rather than the Church.
He said: "The crimes and sins of the sexual abuse of children must not be kept secret for any longer - pledge the zealous vigilance of the Church to protect children and the promise of accountability for all."
The statement also address the Commission's "extensive education efforts" within churches to prevent abuse over the last two years.
The Cardinal said members had been willing to provide material for courses and were keen to learn more "including to the annual training program for new bishops and to the offices of the Roman Curia for their use in their own child protection efforts."
He added: "As Pope Francis has so clearly stated: 'The crimes and sins of the sexual abuse of children must not be kept secret for any longer - pledge the zealous vigilance of the Church to protect children and the promise of accountability for all.'
"We, the President and the Members of the Commission, wish to affirm that our obligations under civil law must certainly be followed, but even beyond these civil requirements, we all have a moral and ethical responsibility to report suspected abuse to the civil authorities who are charged with protecting our society."
He continued, saying there is a clear obligation on all dioceses and people within them to report any suspected abuse.
