Pope Francis calls for effectiveness in programs to protect against abuse in the Church

Pope Francis encouraged the efforts of the Catholic Church in Europe to safeguard children and vulnerable adults and urged that protection programs from abuse “be effective and sustainable.”

This was requested by the Holy Father in a message addressed to the participants of an international conference promoted by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. From today until November 15, this event will take place in Rome, bringing together more than a hundred experts and also attended by victims of abuse from 25 European countries.

In his message, Pope Francis highlighted that his commitment “is a sign of the Church’s continued efforts to protect the most vulnerable among us,” while highlighting “the Christian vocation” of caring for those in need.

Highlighting the diversity of nationalities present at the conference promoted by the Holy See, the Pontiff affirmed that the testimony of unity and solidarity “transcends all borders.”

For the Holy Father, the dialogue and exchanges at this conference “offer promising opportunities for deeper understanding and greater commitment.”

He especially encouraged “initiatives that provide comfort and assistance to those who have suffered, as a sign of the Church’s concern for justice, healing and reconciliation.”

Finally, he assured his prayers that the conference “will be a source of valuable knowledge, and that its deliberations will contribute to a safer and more compassionate Church.”

This initiative arose following the conclusions of the conference held in 2021 in Warsaw (Poland), where responses to the abuse crisis in the Church were also reflected and the need to establish an international commitment was addressed.

At the opening of the event, held this morning at the headquarters of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in Rome, Cardinal Seán O’Malley, Archbishop Emeritus of Boston (United States) and president of the commission, expressed his wish that can “repair the damage caused to children, now adults, by abuses in the Catholic Church.”

Likewise, through a video recorded from the city of Boston, the cardinal hoped that it would be possible to “create a culture in which children and their families can learn and embrace the love of Christ with the certainty that they will be protected from abuse.” .

“Children are at the center of our faith; We must give them a voice and listen to them. We must also listen and respond to those who have been harmed, always leading with care and compassion,” said Cardinal O’Malley.

For the cardinal, it is essential to “follow due process when investigating accusations,” as well as “show strong leadership by taking the necessary actions to prevent any abuse to the extent possible.”