POPE FRANCIS CONTINUES THE WORK OF HIS PREDECESSORS
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The abuse of children and vulnerable adults in today’s society are acts that need to stop. Pope Francis has added to what his predecessors have started by putting forth changes in order to work towards this outcome.
As with any institution or society, change is often met with skepticism and deterrence. Facilitating change takes time, patience, knowledge, education, etc. This problem will not be solved overnight. Society needs to be open to the changes put in place and diligently continue to work together towards positive outcomes.
Not all priests are guilty of these acts. It is important to note that these acts are committed by other members of society and by family members. It is important to work together to educate society so that the trend stops.
Those who are responsible for these acts need to be dealt with not only by the church but by the civil law in the jurisdiction where the offence occurs as well.
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The Church is to be a safe haven for all to come and be comforted. What has happened to the victims and survivors is a terrible breach of trust. Priests are in the position trust. They are seen by their parishioners as God’s intervenor. Priests are sought out by those in need to give guidance, comfort, and support. Those who take advantage of this trust need to be held accountable.
"Families need to know that the Church is making every effort to protect their children"
Pope Francis
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The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM)
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In 2013, Pope Francis started setting up a committee to deal with this issue and in 2014 the names of the appointed members of the PCPM were released. Commission Members
“The Commission’s specific task is to propose to me the most opportune initiatives for protecting minors and vulnerable adults, in order that we may do everything possible to ensure that crimes such as those which have occurred are no longer repeated in the Church. The Commission is to promote local responsibility in the particular Churches, uniting their efforts to those of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, for the protection of all children and vulnerable adults.”
Chirograph of His Holiness Pope Francis (link to full document)
PCPM members included professionals, clergy, theologians, victims, etc. from all over the continent. The Commission’s aims are:
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To promote the protection of minors and vulnerable adults
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To advise the Pope on initiatives that will promote this type of protection
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Ensure that previous crimes will no longer happen
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Promote local responsibility
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Education
There have been two resignations from the Committee and unfortunately they are the two members of the Committee that had suffered sexual abuse from priest
Why have we seen the resignations of the two abuse victims from the Commission?
From what has been released to media it would be safe to say that “lack of action” and “resistance to follow through with those actions approved by the Holy Father” highlight two of the main reasons.
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Marie Collins is still doing work with the Commission in and educational aspect. A Catholic Herald news article of March 28, 2017, has Marie Collins thanking members of the Commission for their support in verifying her allegations. Click to read full article
What has happened since 2001?
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The website has a section entitled, “The Church and Safeguarding”. This section lists releases, actions, documents, letters, etc. from Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis on the processes they have put forth to work towards resolving this issue.
The Path from the Past
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What may have happened in years gone by of Priests being sent for therapy and then moved to another parish should be a thing of the past. However, there are still areas where victims and survivors have still not spoken of what has happened to them because the subject is not talked about. These people need to know that they should not be ashamed to tell someone what has happened. Other Priests, Bishops, and parishioners need to know that it is their duty to report any wrong doing to the appropriate authorities.
Pope Francis wants those who have sinned against these children and vulnerable adults to be held accountable for their actions. The church is looking to be open and transparent and to earn the trust of its parishioners and society.
The website for the PCPM has a great deal of information. It is a wonderful site to read through and become more informed on the subject and what the Commission is working on.
The tab for Press & Media, posts past news release articles as well as links to newspapers articles
May the Lord guide the members of the Commission as they advise to the Holy Father on initiatives that will serve and protect the most vulnerable in this world. May those in offices throughout the Vatican be open to the changes put forth for the good of all.
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Sexual abuse is a worldwide issue that deserves everyone’s attention and diligence to promote the safety of all God’s children. We can all work together to make the world a better place for everyone. Do the right thing, report abuse today. May we all have a voice.
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors Website
PCPM Website – Section – Press & Media
http://www.protectionofminors.va/content/tuteladeiminori/en/press-and-media_section.html
PCPM Website – Section – The Church and Safeguarding
http://www.protectionofminors.va/content/tuteladeiminori/en/the-church-and-safeguarding_section.html
Chirograph of His Holiness Pope Francis for the institution of a Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors
Marie Collins resigns
Catholic Herald – Marie Collins thanks Commission Members for their support