CHICAGO – Representatives of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors are participating in a three-day gathering organised by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in Chicago, bringing together Catholic organisations and religious congregations to strengthen collaboration and promote a culture of safeguarding. 

Mon. Luis Manuel Alí Herrera, Secretary of the Commission, and staff member Claudia Giampietro are attending the Catholic Sisters Initiative US Partners Convening from 14 to 16 October. 

Held under the theme “Journeying Together in Solidarity and Hope: Strengthening Communities and Cultivating Shared Impact for the Common Good”, the gathering brings together the Foundation’s partners from across the United States to exchange experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration. 

On 16 October, Mons. Alí Herrera and Giampietro will lead a presentation during a panel titled “Fostering a Safeguarding Culture for All”, examining the Church’s global commitment to safeguarding in religious life and the Commission’s ongoing research and policy initiatives. 

The session will also feature contributions from Sister Roxanne Schares of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) and Joe Boland of Catholic Extension, followed by preliminary findings from research on safeguarding in the United States conducted by Sankofa Consulting. Participants will discuss practical approaches to translating safeguarding policies into a sustained culture of protection. 

The wider programme includes contributions from representatives of several Holy See dicasteries, addressing solidarity, human dignity, support for women religious and communication. 

Visiting community ministries in Chicago 

Ahead of the convening, on 13 October, the Commission’s representatives joined a delegation organised by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to visit two community ministries serving children, families and vulnerable populations in Chicago. 

The first visit took place at Annunciata School on Chicago’s East Side, operated by the Daughters of Mary Immaculate of Guadalupe, a Mexican religious congregation that has served the local community for more than two decades. 

With support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and in partnership with Big Shoulders Fund, the school operates “Hope for the Future”, a programme providing counselling, extracurricular activities and creative opportunities for children affected by trauma. 

The delegation met with school administrators, teachers, counsellors and parents to learn about the challenges facing local families, including growing demand for emotional support, limited resources and language barriers. Students also guided visitors through the school, where the delegation joined younger pupils for an art workshop. 

The visit highlighted the importance of trusted relationships between children and adults in establishing safe and supportive environments, reinforcing the Commission’s emphasis on safeguarding as a responsibility embedded in everyday institutional practice. 

The delegation subsequently visited the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation on Chicago’s South Side, an organisation founded in 2002 by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. 

Father David Kelly and members of the ministry presented their work in restorative justice, youth engagement and support for individuals affected by incarceration and violence. Particular attention was given to the accompaniment of mothers who have lost children to gun violence or incarceration, as well as programmes supporting reintegration into society. 

Former participants who now serve on the ministry’s staff shared their experiences, illustrating the role of community relationships in fostering reconciliation and healing. 

The delegation also passed through Dolton, Illinois, the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV. 

The visits provided an opportunity to observe how religious communities and their partners respond to vulnerability through education, accompaniment and restorative practices, offering practical perspectives on the Commission’s work to promote a culture of protection throughout the Church.