GUATEMALA CITY — More than 700 priests from across Guatemala gathered this past month for a large-scale training on safeguarding minors, organised in collaboration with the Episcopal Conference of Guatemala and the Commission. 

The three-day initiative, held from 4 to 6 August at the Episcopal Conference headquarters in Guatemala City, was coordinated by Father Daniel Portillo Trevizo, the Commission’s Regional Expert for the Americas. 

The training featured two main sessions: a closed-door meeting with Guatemalan bishops on their responsibilities in ensuring safe environments, followed by a national clergy gathering that brought together priests from every diocese. 

Father Portillo urged each diocese to establish clear policies and protocols for abuse prevention, stressing that safeguarding must be a visible commitment and not just a written policy. 

“Every diocese needs lines of action, appropriate procedures, and an explicit culture of care.” – Father Daniel Portillo Trevizo 

Church officials described the strong turnout and active participation as a sign of momentum in Guatemala’s efforts to build a more responsible and transparent pastoral culture. The initiative reflects priorities set out by Pope Francis and the Commission, which has repeatedly called for safeguarding to be integrated into the heart of Church life. 

Organisers said the session forms part of a broader push to ensure the Church’s mission places human dignity at its centre, especially the dignity of those most affected by abuse. 

With this step, Guatemala has signalled its determination to make abuse prevention not only an institutional mandate but also a lived expression of the Gospel.