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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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Commission Secretary to East Africa Bishops: We must let victims know they will be heard
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Bishops in the Catholic Church are called to promote a safe environment while providing much needed support to those affected by abuse, Bishop Luis Ali Herrera, secretary to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) said in a message to East African bishops.
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Rwanda: Missionaries of Africa hold safeguarding training session in Kigali
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The Missionaries of Africa held a Safeguarding training program from June 15 to 30, for 25 child protection delegations from 17 countries across the African continent, as well as Mexico, the Netherlands, and England. The program, which was held at the Lavigerie Centre in Kigali, Rwanda, focused on enhancing knowledge of best practices for protecting minors and vulnerable adults.
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European Conference on Safeguarding in the Catholic Church to be held in Rome
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European members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors will hold the European Conference on Safeguarding in the Catholic Church from November 13-15 at Palazzo Maffei in Rome. The conference aims to strengthen the Safeguarding work and mechanisms within the Church in Europe.
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Cardinal O’Malley urges ‘pastoral prudence’
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Cardinal Sean O’Malley, has written to the dicasteries of the Roman Curia to express the hope that during this time, “pastoral prudence would prevent displaying artwork in a way that could imply either exoneration or a subtle defense”.
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Safeguarding Workshop in Argentina: from Chubut (Patagonia) to Buenos Aires
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Two representatives of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors traveled to the Argentinian regions of Buenos Aires and Chubut (Patagonia), to participate in a capacity building program on safeguarding from May 9-13. In attendance were: Dr. Patricia Espinosa, psychiatrist and member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, and Dr. Daniel Portillo, psychologist and Regional Expert …
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First weeks in office for the new leadership of the Commission
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May 8th marked the first day in the office for the new management team of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Both Monsignor Ali and Ms. Kettelkamp, expressed their enthusiasm and their strong desire to work together to carry forward the mission of the Commission.
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Applications Open: European Conference on Safeguarding in the Catholic Church
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The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) is pleased to announce a Call for Abstracts for its upcoming European Conference. This event is designed for Church leaders and safeguarding personnel in Dioceses and Religious Congregations from across Europe.
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Commission concludes Plenary Assembly: Concrete Closeness to Victims and Survivors
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The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors concludes Plenary Assembly, March 5 – 8, 2024. Commission finalizes Pilot Annual Report on Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in the Church and approves submission to the Holy Father. Commission approves an expanded version of the Universal Guidelines Framework (UGF) Commission welcomes Holy Father’s endorsement of Memorare Initiative capacity-building program in the Global …
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HOW AND WHY THE CHURCH SHOULD ADOPT A TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE FRAMEWORK TO ABUSE IN CATHOLIC CONTEXTS
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David-Smolin-TJ-PaperDownload
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Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors Announces Funding for Safeguarding Initiatives in the Global South
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PCPM approves 230,000 Euros in grants as part of its Memorare Initiative. Funds will provide training and qualified staff in several countries. Conferences of Bishops and Religious sign cooperation agreement with PCPM Vatican City, December 21, 2023. ----- At a recent meeting of the Executive Council of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, 230,000 Euros in funding to …
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Fr. Small to Italian Safeguarding Representatives: Resist appeals to stop talking about abuse
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On Friday Novemeber 17, PCPM Secretary Fr. Andrew Small OMI addressed participants in the First National Meeting of Territorial SNTM Representatives, organized by the Italian Episcopal Conference CEI. Below is an English translation of the original text in Italian: Vatican, 17 November 2023 First National Meeting of Territorial SNTM Representatives Organized by the Italian Episcopal Conference Address by Rev. Fr. …
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Pope Francis to Safeguarding Operators: Protect, listen and heal.
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On the National Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse in Italy, Pope Francis meets Safeguarding Operators from across the peninsula ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCISTO PARTICIPANTS IN THE MEETING ORGANIZED BY THEITALIAN EPISCOPAL CONFERENCEFOR THE PROTECTION OF MINORS AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE Clementine HallSaturday, 18 November 2023 _______________________________________________ Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! I greet Cardinal Zuppi, …
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Card. O' Malley on #EndChildAbuseDay: Working together to Break the Silence
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The intervention of the President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors at a conference organised by SOS Telefono Azzuro Foundation and the Italian Embassy to the Holy See on the occassion of the European Day to End Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. 'Listening to child and adolescent victims of sexual abuse to develop effective help and protection …
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A Call to Action on the Occasion of the Consistory for the Creation of New Cardinals and the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
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Commission urges solidarity with victims and survivors in light of ongoing revelations of abuse. Commission calls on Church leaders to increase commitment and resources to promote safeguarding everywhere. Commission asks that safeguarding be given a priority in the Synod on Synodality. Solidarity with those who hunger and thirst for justice. As the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, we …
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Card. O' Malley: Address to Plenary Assembly
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Address of Cardinal Sean O’Malley OFM. Cap., at the Opening of the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, Palazzo Maffei Marescotti, May 4th, 2023. Dear Colleagues: We have gathered to continue the work we began in our first meeting last October, shortly after the new membership was announced, builds on the work of the …
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New Strategies Against Abuse
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At the Plenary Session in May, Cardinal O'Malley said the Pope “has asked a lot from us, and we are all committed to making this work.” For information on the Plenary Assembly click here By Salvatore Cernuzio Vatican News A "new universal framework" to update Church guidelines; a fund with contributions from the Bishops' Conferences for training and assistance to …
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Statement from Card. O' Malley (Update)
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Statement from Cardinal Sean O’ Malley OFM Cap., President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors “The Commission has been informed that Father Hans Zollner SJ, has asked to be relieved of his duties as a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Fr. Hans told me that he came to this decision after …
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Card. O' Malley on Vos estis lux mundi update
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Statement of Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM. Cap., President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors on the publication of the updated motu proprio Vos estis lux mundi. The Church’s ongoing work of preventing sexual abuse by ministers of the Church received a further boost today with the publication of the definitive version of Pope Francis’s motu proprio Vos …
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Card. O' Malley on Importance of Portugese Report
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The Independent Commission for the Study of Sexual Abuse of Children in the Catholic Church in Portugal, released its final report this week. Established by the Portuguese Episcopal Conference in November 2021, the Independent Commission carried out a study on sexual abuse committed against children and adolescents within the Portuguese Catholic Church between 1950 and 2022. Its findings pointed to …
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Card. O’ Malley: An Expanded Commission for an Expanded Mandate
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Cardinal Seán O’Malley OFM. Cap., President, on the Appointment by Pope Francis of Members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors Today’s announcement by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, of members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors marks a further step in making our Church an ever-safer place for children and vulnerable persons. I congratulate …
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Card O' Malley: A watershed moment for Commission
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The 17th Ordinary Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors concluded with a clear mandate from Pope Francis. Below Commission President Cardinal O' Malley's statement to press. "On behalf of the commission I would like to welcome you all and thank you for coming today. I am happy to offer a few words in light of …
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Card. O Malley: We Must do better
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The President on the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors has released a statement on news regarding Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. “STATEMENT BY H.E. CARDINAL SEÁN O’MALLEY, PRESIDENT, PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR THE PROTECTION OF MINORS “Conscience speaks to us if we are prepared to listen. In today’s message, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has provided us with an intimate description …
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Card. O' Malley on EU Day against Child Sexual Abuse
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“We cannot repair what we do not recognize. We cannot restore a broken trust if we do not address the heart of the matter. This requires honest investigation, independent inquiry, and informed action.” The President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors marked the European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, November …
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Nov. 18: A Global movement to protect children
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On November 18, on the sidelines of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Fall Assembly in Baltimore, Cardinals and World Faith Leaders will join child sexual abuse survivors for the Pathways to Prevention, Healing, and Justice Inaugural Sunrise Walk. At sunrise November 18, sexual abuse survivors from across the USA will walk to raise awareness in the role faith …
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Italy joins growing number of churches to observe national Day of Prayer for Victims of Clerical Child Sex Abuse
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The 1st National Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse takes place across Italy’s diocese on November 18. Bishop Lorenzo Ghizzoni of Ravenna-Cervia and President of the National Service for the Protection of Minors, explains that this is "an occasion to be enhanced in the local Churches thanks to the commitment of diocesan representatives, parish priests, consecrated persons, …
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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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