Church's Safeguarding Commission Publishes Second Annual Report, Focuses on Dialogue and Support
The Church's commitment to safeguarding involves listening to and walking with victims, benefiting both the Church and society. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, led by Archbishop Thibault Verny since July 2025, is dedicated to this cause. The Commission will soon publish its second annual report, with the third report planned for next year.
Archbishop Verny presented the second report to Pope Leo XIV in 2025. The Commission's work includes the Universal Safeguarding Reference Framework, which required significant effort and investment. Each report reviews several countries, aiming for a comprehensive panel over time. The principle of subsidiarity encourages listening and fraternal journeying among different episcopal conferences and religious congregations, rejecting the notion that some countries are behind in preventing abuse.
The assembly in Krakow provided an opportunity to assess support for local Churches through the 'Memorare' program. Poland was chosen as the first destination due to the Polish Episcopal Conference's progress in studying the reference framework. Future assemblies will be held in other destinations to continue this dialogue and support. The Church should dialogue with society to learn from its practices in safeguarding and foresight.
The Commission's relocation of the plenary assembly aims to dialogue with local conferences and dioceses, and support local Churches in accompanying victims. The Church's commitment to safeguarding, as demonstrated by the Commission's work, is a ongoing process that involves learning from society and supporting local Churches. The upcoming reports will continue to shed light on this important issue.
