Founding PCPM members with the Holy Father
The idea of a Commission of experts to act as an advisory body to the Holy Father for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults was first proposed by the Council of Cardinals in December 2013. These Cardinals, representing Churches around the world, identified this task as one of the most urgent priorities for the Church today. The Holy Father approved the proposal and appointed Cardinal Seán O’Malley with the task of forming the Commission.
In a Chirograph issued on March 22, 2014 Pope Francis wrote that the Commission’s task is to advise the Roman Pontiff on effective policies for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults and educational programs for all who are involved in this work. Pope Francis formally appointed the first eight members on the same day. They were chosen from a variety of backgrounds, men and women, lay, religious, and clergy, and asked to identify further members from dioceses and religious institutes around the world. Following several months of intense work, Pope Francis appointed nine additional Commission members.
