Yes, as Canon 1752 says, the supreme law of the Church is the salvation of souls. Excommunication is listed amongst the “medicinal” penalties. But the Code also has “expiatory penalties” which the New Commentary says, “emphasize remedying societal damage…and deterring others from similar behaviour". One expiatory penalty is dismissal from the clerical state. Canon 1341 prohibits a trial for dismissal until the bishop is satisfied that fraternal correction etc “cannot sufficiently repair the scandal, restore justice, reform the offender.” Zero tolerance means that justice cannot be restored in the case of child sexual abuse without dismissal. Scandal refers to the loss of faith and therefore the salvation of souls. In failing to impose zero tolerance, and then claiming that he is, Pope Francis is causing a huge scandal, not the least, as one of the Royal Commissioners pointed out, amongst the survivors of sexual abuse.  Is their salvation is not important?