Vatican Commission Presents Report on Protection of Minors

Vatican, October 30, 2024: The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors presented its first Annual Report at a press conference held at the Holy See Press Office in Vatican City on October 29. The report, produced at the request of Pope Francis, offers a comprehensive assessment of the Catholic Church’s global safeguarding efforts against sexual abuse, outlining progress, remaining challenges, and recommendations for better practices. Key members of the Commission, including President Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, jurist Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, and survivor advocate Juan Carlos Cruz, discussed the findings and shared insights on accountability and transparency within the Church.

The Pilot Report, organized into four key sections, evaluates safeguarding practices across various local Churches and continents, scrutinizes the effectiveness of the Roman Curia’s safeguarding policies, and examines the Church’s contributions to society’s protection efforts. Addressing current challenges, the report calls for improved safeguarding guidelines, particularly in under-resourced regions like the Global South, and emphasizes the need for robust data collection and resource allocation for long-term accountability.

In his remarks, Cardinal O'Malley highlighted the Commission’s threefold mission: advocating for victims’ rights, supporting policy improvements, and maintaining consistent reporting through the Annual Report. He noted that the Church has moved from a period marked by neglect to one prioritizing safeguarding and victim care, though he acknowledged ongoing challenges in building trust. Dr. Buquicchio, who chaired the report, reinforced the need for a human rights-based approach in Church policies, and Mr. Cruz expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for his genuine commitment to this cause.

The report underscores the evolving landscape within the Church as it adopts trauma-informed practices, risk management protocols, and professionalized victim support services. Commission members stressed the importance of continuous improvement in these areas, advocating for a culture of safeguarding and a commitment to justice, truth, and reparation for victims.

Courtesy: Vatican News