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COMMISSION NEWSLETTER
July 11 2024
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- Secretaries engage Curia colleagues and Diplomatic representatives and meet with Press.
- Memorare Initiative : Commission launches 2 year capacity building program with AMECEA.
- The Commission's Vulnerability Study Group welcomes co-chair Mons Andrea Ripa.
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FROM THE SECRETARIES:
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Despite the summer heat in Rome, touching a daily average of 37 °C, the secretaries’ institutional engagement continued with a series of curia appointments and in person and online meetings with local church leaders, diplomats accredited to the Holy See and safeguarding partners.
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Photo: Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Holy See, Annemieke Ruigro
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- The Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Holy See, Annemieke Ruigrok,
- The Charge D’Affairs of the United States Embassy to the Holy See, Laura Ochla
- Doctoral students from the Canon Law Faculty of St Paul’s University in Ottawa Canada
- Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General for the Synod of Bishops
- Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi, Secretary General of the Italian Bishops Conference (CEI)
accompanied by the newly appointed Head of Safeguarding for CEI Dr. Chiara Griffini
- Monsignor Andrea Ripa, Secretary of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura
- Don Fortunato di Noto and the Executive Board of Associazione METER a notfor-
profit association that combats online child abuse.
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Photo: Meeting with Canon Law Doctoral Students of St Paul's University Ottawa
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Meets and Greets with Press
The secretaries also held two sessions of off-the-record ‘Meet and Greets’ with Vatican Press.
Since taking office, both Bishop Alì and Teresa have received many requests for interviews,
but have decided to postpone on-the-record press engagement to the autumn to align with the
media strategy for the Annual Report release.
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Thus, these sessions were seen as an opportunity to thank the press for the interest shown, to
maintain engagement and as an opportunity for the journalists to deepen their understanding
of the Commission’s mandate and mission as well as get to know the new secretaries.
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Both sessions – organized in conjunction with the Holy See Press Office - were well attended
and well received with agencies such as Reuters, ABC, AP, KNA (Germany), Crux, La Croix,
CAN, EWTN, La Nacion, COPE (Spain), the Independent, the Times, La Repubblica, Il
Messegero, CNS and others well represented.
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Work on the Organizational Chart
Over the past two weeks the Secretaries also continued their one-on-one meetings with
personnel in Rome and in the Regions to further align the work carried out centrally and
locally and continue to perfect the Commission’s Organizational Chart and workflow. Teresa
will be overseeing the work in the regions with the support of the Regional Moderators and
the Regional Experts and Emer and Stefano in the Rome office.
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Commission Zoom Meeting September
📣📣📣 The Commission ZOOM meeting September 12th at 2PM CEST 📣📣📣📣
A link and agenda will be shared with you all in the coming weeks.
Plenary Assembly dates for 2025 have also been decided and they are:
Spring: 24 -28 March
Autumn: 29 September - 3 October
The deadline for the submission of Plenary Assembly Documents is September 9th to Emer.
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Photo: Meeting with Don Fortunato di Noto and Meter Executive Board
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Photo: The Regional Group Africa moderator Sr Annah Teresa, RG Africa Expert Augusta and Advisor Patience with the AMECEA leadership at the launch of the Memorare Initiative
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2 year capacity building program launched with AMECEA
July 2, Bishop Ali gave an opening speech via ZOOM to a Safeguarding Workshop for Church Leaders from the Association of Members of Episcopal Conferences of East Africa (AMECEA)
co-organised by AMECEA and the Commission.
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The three-day workshop took place in Nairobi Kenya. AMECEA brings together 8 national episcopal conferences. The workshop is the first stage of a two-year program for
safeguarding capacity building in the region organised together with the Regional Group under the auspices of the Memorare Initiative.
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RG Africa Moderator Sr Annah Teresa also made a presentation focusing on case management and victim/survivor support and assistance. Thanks to the RG Africa Team for their work on the
4 ground and the Comms Team for the coverage given to the event on the website and social media.
The RG Africa Team have already signalled that one of the major gaps emerging from the workshop was formation and operative assistance in case management and will be sharing further feedback in their monthly report, so keep an eye on RG Africa on TEAMS.
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Welcoming the co-Chair of the Vulnerability Study Group
On July 4, the Secretaries together with Claudia met with Msgr. Andrea Ripa, Bishop Secretary of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura. During the consultation exercise of the Curia's Dicasteries, which took place from February to May 2024, the Bishop was singled out as a valuable collaborator on the matter by the Prefect of the Tribunal, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti. Following this communication, Cardinal O'Malley appointed Msgr. Ripa as Co-chair of the study group along with Justice Neville Owen.
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Justice Owen and Msgr. Ripa met online in May for an initial introduction to each other and to establish areas of research relevance. Subsequently, a list of 15 experts from all continents was drawn up with the approval of the Secretaries. The experts were contacted, agreed to be involved in the group and will be consulted individually this month to develop the first steps of the research. The second phase of consultation will take place between August and September, prior to the in-person meeting to be held from September 30 to October 3, 2024 at Palazzo Maffei. Experts have been identified from clergy, laity and religious with backgrounds in different academic research fields.
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The purpose of the research will be to make concrete recommendations regarding the issue of vulnerability and also help local churches in communicating with dicasteries in cases involving vulnerable people.
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Vatican gives Commission new Statutes, Pope approves three year trial
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VATICAN CITY — The Holy See today published the revised Statutes of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, updating the body's mandate, structure and working methods more than a decade after its founding document was first issued.
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Safeguarding Training Strengthens Myanmar Church Capacity Amid Ongoing Crisis
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YANGON, Myanmar — In a national context marked by conflict, displacement, natural disaster and ongoing humanitarian pressure, the Catholic Church in Myanmar has taken another step in strengthening its safeguarding work through a five-session Training of Trainers for diocesan safeguarding focal persons. The online programme, held from 20–25 April 2026, was delivered in close partnership between the Pontifical Commission for the …
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From Aid to Ownership: Reimagining Child Protection Systems in Africa
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Cape Town — The reduction of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding for child-focused programmes in parts of Africa has prompted renewed reflection on the sustainability of services supporting children and vulnerable adults. For decades, USAID has been a central development partner in sectors such as maternal and child health, immunisation, nutrition, education and child protection, particularly in contexts affected by …
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Pallottines Unite Around a Common Mission: Caring for Children Means Protecting Them
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KONSTANCIN-JEZIORNA, Poland — Some 40 representatives from 18 countries gathered near Warsaw from May 12–17 for an international meeting of Pallottine Coordinators of the Apostolate for Children, organized by the General Secretariat for the Apostolate of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate. Held at the Centre for Apostolate and Mission in Konstancin-Jeziorna under the theme "Children – Our Future and Responsibility," the meeting brought …
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Countdown to Third Annual Report Begins in Synodal Dialogue with the Church in the Philippines
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MANILA — The countdown to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors’ Third Annual Report begins in the Philippines, where a working visit has brought renewed momentum to safeguarding efforts in the local Church. From 30 April to 1 May, the Commission and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines convened bishops, religious leaders and safeguarding partners to advance …
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German Conference of Religious Orders to Feature in Commission's Third Annual Report
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VALLENDAR, Germany — On the occasion of the annual gathering of the German Conference of the Superiors of Religious Orders (Deutsche Ordensobernkonferenz), Francesco Pappalardo and Agustìn Dìaz Herrero, members of the Commission staff, were invited to participate in the event, which brought together nearly 200 representatives from the almost 400 religious institutes represented by the Conference. The gathering included sessions …
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CELAM and Tutela Minorum Strengthen Collaboration for a Culture of Care in Latin America and the Caribbean
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ROME — Two online meetings held in April between the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM) and the Commission marked a further step in strengthening regional collaboration on safeguarding and the promotion of a culture of care across Latin America and the Caribbean. The meetings were organised within the framework of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for a …
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Tutela Minorum Joins CLAR to support Safeguarding Efforts Across Latin America
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LIMA — As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen a culture of safeguarding across Latin America, Fr Agustín Jara Podestá, OFM, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors' regional expert for the Americas from the Commission, participated in the Continental Seminar for Major Superiors and Congregational Delegates, organised by the Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of Religious (CLAR) from …
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Registration opens for second Annual Encounter on abuse prevention in consecrated life
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ROME — Registration has opened for the second Annual Encounter on abuse prevention in consecrated life, organised by the Commission. The international gathering will take place in Rome from 9 to 11 December 2026. Titled Called to Communion, Care and Justice: Mutual Relations for a Shared Mission, the encounter will bring together Church leaders and safeguarding practitioners from around the …
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Safeguarding Workshop in South Africa Confronts Abuse and Builds Resilience Among Religious Women
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BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — A three-day safeguarding workshop led by the Commission has brought renewed focus to the protection of religious women, addressing the reality of abuse and reinforcing prevention efforts within a local congregation. Held from 6 to 8 March in Bloemfontein, the workshop was facilitated by Br. Fortune Chakasara, Regional Safeguarding Expert for Africa, for members of the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen. Organised under the …
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Memorandum breathes new life into Brazilian church's Safeguarding efforts
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APARECIDA, BRAZIL – In a groundbreaking step on the sidelines of the 62nd General Assembly of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) the Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with both the CNBB and the Conference of Religious of Brazil (CRB). A delegation composed of Commission president Archbishop Thibault Verny, Commission Secretary Mons. Alí Herrera and canonist Claudia Giampietro is participating in the gathering, which runs from 15 to …
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From Definitions to Relationships: Rethinking Safeguarding in the Italian Church
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ROME — Safeguarding leaders from across Italy gathered in Rome today for a national meeting focused on strengthening protection for minors and people in vulnerable situations, as Church officials and experts called for a shift from procedural frameworks to a broader culture of care. The three-day meeting, organised by the Italian Bishops' Conference’s National Service for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults, …
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Commission Deepens Safeguarding Collaboration with Asian Bishops Ahead of Annual Report
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VATICAN CITY — The Commission has strengthened its collaboration with bishops’ conferences in Vietnam and the Philippines, advancing key safeguarding initiatives and laying the groundwork for its Third Annual Report, due for publication in October. In a 13 March online meeting with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Office for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons, participants confirmed …
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Commission strengthens safeguarding partnerships in Latin America following Bogotá meetings
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BOGOTÁ — The Commission has advanced its collaboration with key Church bodies in Latin America following a series of meetings in Bogotá aimed at strengthening safeguarding practices and promoting a Culture of Care across the region. A delegation from the Commission, led by its Secretary, Mons. Alí Herrera, met on 24 March with senior representatives of the Latin American and …
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Hungary Marks Distinct Steps in Advancing Safeguarding Efforts
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VATICAN CITY — A recent development in Hungary highlights emerging progress in strengthening safeguarding practices, as the local Church continues to engage with regional efforts supported by the Commission. In Hungary, a significant public moment of prayer and accountability marked a step forward in the Church's safeguarding journey. On 20 February, an international exhibition titled "Recognise. Respond. Safeguarding Minors in the Church …
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IMBISA workshop strengthens safeguarding capacity across Southern Africa
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PRETORIA — Church leaders, safeguarding practitioners and pastoral workers from across Southern Africa gathered in Pretoria from 1 to 8 March for a regional training workshop aimed at strengthening child protection efforts through the Memorare Initiative. The workshop, organised by the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA), brought together 23 participants from nine countries, representing dioceses, safeguarding …
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Pope Leo XIV Names Two New Members to the Commission
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VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has appointed two new members to the Commission, strengthening its international expertise in safeguarding, public health, and law. The new members are Dr Susan Lynn Bissell of Canada, a global leader in child protection, and Laurent Delvolvé of France, a lawyer specialising in civil, criminal, and canon law with a focus on safeguarding within …
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Teresa Morris Kettelkamp Steps Down as Adjunct Secretary of the Commission
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Vatican City, 27 March 2026 — Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the Adjunct Secretary of the Commission Teresa Morris Kettelkamp. She will be stepping down from the role as of 1 April 2026 for family reasons. The news was shared today by the Commission’s President, Archbishop Thibault Verny, who expressed both gratitude and sadness at her departure. …
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Commission concludes Spring Plenary Assembly
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ROME — The Commission has concluded its Spring 2026 Plenary Assembly in Rome, marking five days of discussions centred on strengthening safeguarding practices, deepening engagement with victims and survivors, and advancing global guidelines for the protection of minors. The gathering brought together members and staff from across the world to assess current safeguarding efforts and identify priorities for the year …
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Pope Leo XIV opens Commission plenary with call to deepen safeguarding culture
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VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Monday opened the Plenary Assembly of the Commission, encouraging its members to continue strengthening a culture of safeguarding across the life of the Church. Receiving the Commission in audience at the Apostolic Palace, the Pope thanked its members for their work in protecting children, adolescents, and people in vulnerable situations. He described their …
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Commission Announces Second Annual Encounter on Safeguarding in Consecrated Life
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VATICAN CITY — The Commission is preparing the second edition of its annual encounter dedicated to abuse prevention in consecrated life. Titled "Called to Communion, Care, and Justice: Mutual Relations for a Shared Mission", the event will take place over three days from 9 to 11 December 2026, in Rome. Registration will open in March. The exact venue will be …
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Tonga-Niue diocese finalises locally grounded safeguarding framework
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TONGA — The Catholic Diocese of Tonga and Niue is finalising a comprehensive safeguarding policy and protocol suite developed through the Universal Guidelines Framework (UGF) pilot programme and subsequent local diocesan work. The new suite brings together a Safeguarding Guidelines Framework tailored to the cultural and ecclesial context of Tonga and Niue, a Statement of Commitment, a Code of Conduct …
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From Policy to Practice: Why Safeguarding Must Change How the Church Lives
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VATICAN CITY — In this month’s episode of Inside Safeguarding, William Roberts sits down with Commission member Teresa Devlin, head of the Universal Guidelines Framework initiative. After more than 15 years working in child safeguarding within the Catholic Church, Devlin is clear about where the real work now lies. Writing policies, she says, is no longer the central challenge. Ensuring …
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Accompanying the Churches of central and Eastern Europe: commission presents its safeguarding priorities
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GAMING, AUSTRIA - On 28 January, representatives of Catholic aid agencies gathered at the invitation of the Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). During the meeting, the Regional Advisor for Central and Eastern Europe of the Commission presented the work of the Commission and introduced its …
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Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Action as Catholic partners convene on “From Crisis to Care” Initiative
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VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has renewed the Church’s urgent call to defend the rights and dignity of the world’s most vulnerable children, praising the global Catholic initiative From Crisis to Care: Catholic Action for Children while warning that progress remains painfully slow. His remarks came February 6 during an audience with the initiative’s organizing committee, which is co-chaired by Sr. Niluka Perrera (in photo), who is …
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Card. O' Malley's Address to Churches in Central and Eastern Europe
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"Honest assessment of our failures gives the Church the insights needed for the ongoing work of doing all that is possible to prevent further abuse."
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Pope to warsaw Conference: Misguided concern for Church reputation should not sideline abuse victims' welfare
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In a video message to a 3-day conference in Warsaw, Poland, on safeguarding children from abuse in the Church, Pope Francis calls for real and reliable change. By Vatican News staff reporter As an important international conference on the protection of vulnerable children and adults for the Churches of Central and Eastern Europe kicks off in the Polish capital, Warsaw, …
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The Voices of Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse
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Ewa Kusz, a member of the organizing committee for the regional conference on the protection of minors for central and eastern Europe taking place in Warsaw, gathers the voices of people who have been abused by priests. By Ewa Kusz What do those who have been wounded within the Church say? What do they expect from the Church, from “Church …
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PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR THE PROTECTION OF MINORS
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Largo Giovanni Paolo II | 00120 – Vatican City State
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