The church must be a place that can offer the greatest possible protection to minors and vulnerable adults, Pope Francis said while receiving members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which was formed a decade ago, at the Vatican on Thursday.
Pope Francis said the Church must continue to commit with all its might to preventing abuses, must firmly condemn them, and must pay compassionate attention to the victims.
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Against the scandal of violations and the suffering of the victims “We can feel discouraged, because re-weaving broken lives and healing pain is a huge and complex challenge. However, this should not diminish their commitment; moreover, I encourage you to move forward so that the Church will always and everywhere be a place where everyone feels at home.” Their home and where everyone is holy. The head of the church said.
He stressed: In the church service, there is no closeness to the victims “An abstract concept, but a very tangible reality.” Represents, which means listening, intervening, preventing and helping.
He believed that everyone, especially church authorities, should know firsthand the consequences of abuse. “Let us be moved by the suffering of the victims, listen directly to their voices, close to them, which gives us comfort, helps in making practical decisions and creates a different future for everyone” – The head of the church said.
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He added that it is not possible for victims of violations not to receive reception and listening, because that could greatly increase their suffering. He noted that providing assistance requires personal commitment and expertise.
The Pope thanked the committee for its work over the past ten years. He said that most of the work is done secretly and behind the scenes, with respect for those in charge. Pope Francis added that the results of the committee's activities have become clear thanks to cooperation with local churches. The Pope said this when the commission was formed “Reliable tools” He called for receiving and caring for victims and survivors, while at the same time enabling local communities to provide prevention and protection independently, especially in parts of the world where they lack resources and expertise.
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On March 22, 2014, Pope Francis established the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
The purpose of the twenty-person advisory council, made up of ecclesiastical and lay experts, is to propose initiatives to the pope to protect minors and vulnerable adults so that sexual abuse does not occur in the church. The commission holds its plenary session in March each year, when it also submits an annual report to the Pope.
Featured Image: In a photo published by Vatican media, Pope Francis' Sunday Angel (Angelus) prays at the House of Saint Martha in the Vatican on December 3, 2023. Due to symptoms of pneumonia, the head of the Catholic Church is still unable to appear from the window of the Apostolic Palace, where He prayed Sunday prayers according to tradition. (Photo: MTI/EPA/Vatican Media)
