A decade after its founding, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors has taken a significant step by publishing its first Annual Report on Protection Policies and Procedures. The result of exhaustive research on five continents and in various religious institutes and congregations, this document offers a clear and in-depth view of the Church’s efforts to address and prevent abuse. With 50 pages divided into four sections, the report seeks not only to document progress, but also to point out areas for improvement and promote greater transparency in the Church’s internal processes.
Pope Francis’ Commitment
Pope Francis has been a fervent advocate for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. In his appeal to the Commission, he stressed the need to produce a detailed and reliable report so that the competent authorities could act effectively. This first report is a direct response to that request, reflecting the Vatican’s commitment to a rigorous, victim-centered response aligned with recent reforms to the Code of Canon Law.
The Suffering and Healing of Victims
Chaired by Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, the working group responsible for the report has placed particular emphasis on victims, their suffering, and their healing process. The report’s cover, which features a baobab tree as a symbol of resilience, represents the struggle and strength of thousands of victims who have reported abuse and worked for a safer Church.
Risks and Progress Documented
The report not only documents the risks, but also the progress made in the protection of minors. It details best practices and resources that can be shared across the universal Church, providing an essential tool for reporting to the Pope, victims, local Churches, and the People of God. Among the recommendations, the need to improve access to information for victims, ensure effective and timely management of abuse cases and promote the development of reparation policies stands out.
Analysis of Local Churches
A significant part of the report is dedicated to the analysis of local churches. The Commission has examined between 15 and 20 local churches each year, with the aim of covering the entire Church over a period of 5-6 years. This analysis reveals an uneven commitment to the implementation of protection policies, with some churches demonstrating a strong commitment and others just beginning to assume their institutional responsibility.
Regional Imbalances and Need for Solidarity
The report also highlights imbalances in resources dedicated to protection in different regions of the world. While America, Europe and Oceania have had access to considerable resources, Central America, South America, Africa and Asia still lack specific support. The Pontifical Commission calls for increased solidarity among Episcopal Conferences and mobilizing resources to achieve universal standards of protection.
The Roman Curia and Transparency
The third section of the report focuses on the Roman Curia, highlighting its role as a hub for exchanging good practices and promoting transparency. The need for greater access to information and clear communication of protection responsibilities within the various dicasteries is emphasised.
Caritas and the Protection of Minors
The report also presents case studies on Caritas organisations, acknowledging the progress made but noting the variability in protection practices between different institutions. This variability is a concern that the Commission seeks to address in order to ensure consistent standards of protection.
Memorare Initiative: Solidarity in Action
The Memorare initiative, which has raised funds to support Churches with fewer resources, is another highlight of the report. In 2023, the Commission received significant donations from the Italian Episcopal Conference, the Papal Foundation and the Spanish Episcopal Conference, demonstrating a continued commitment to developing information and assistance centres in the Global South.
This first Annual Report of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors represents a milestone in the Church’s efforts to address abuse and protect the most vulnerable. Through a rigorous, victim-centered approach, the Church seeks not only to heal the wounds of the past, but also to prevent future abuse and build a safe and trusting environment for all its members.
