Pope Leo: ‘No Tolerance for Any Form of Abuse in the Church’

Vatican, October 24, 2025: “I renew my appeal that there can be no tolerance for any form of abuse in the Church,” Pope Leo XIV emphasised in his message to the National Safeguarding Conference in the Philippines, held from 20–24 October.

The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles J. Brown, conveyed the Holy Father’s message to Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias of San Fernando, Chairman of the Office on the Protection of Minors of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

After expressing gratitude for the gathering, the Pope made a firm call for effective safeguarding within the Church.

No tolerance for any form of abuse

“The Church,” he said, “is our spiritual home; as such, every parish and pastoral activity is meant to be a space in which we glorify God and care for others, especially children and the vulnerable.”

“In this regard,” Pope Leo continued, “I renew my appeal that there can be no tolerance for any form of abuse in the Church.”

Policies and practices ensuring transparency

He expressed his hope that the conference’s deliberations would “lead to the implementation of essential policies and practices that ensure transparency in dealing with cases, foster a culture of prevention, and safeguard ‘these little ones’ of the Lord.”

“In doing so,” Pope Leo encouraged, “the Church in the Philippines and beyond will be a more authentic witness of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who always loves and cares for His flock.”

He concluded by entrusting all participants to the protection of the Blessed Mother and imparting his Apostolic Blessing.

Courtesy: Vatican News