The Instrumentum Laboris, or working document, of the second session of the Synod of Bishops — dedicated to the theme: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission – was released this past July. 

Addressing the challenges that will be discussed at the synod in October 2024, the document acknowledged the “the loss of credibility” due to scandals in the Catholic Church, particularly the “sexual abuse and other abuses of minors and vulnerable persons.” (Instrumentum Laboris – n. 75)  

On the eve of the Synod, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors praises the document’s recognition of the profound betrayal felt by victims, not only from abusers but also from the Church’s failures. 

In doing so, the Commission acknowledges that the upcoming Synod is taking a relevant step in the process of healing victims and survivors, and of the entire body of the Church wounded by the scourge of abuse.  

According to the working document, “A synodal Church requires both a culture and practice of transparency and accountability, which are essential to fostering the mutual trust necessary for walking together and exercising co-responsibility for the sake of the common mission.” (IL – n. 73) 

It also highlighted the Church’s commitment toward “an evolution of its work, ethos, and mentality in the direction of transparency and a culture of accountability.” (IL – n. 78) Furthermore, the document made specific suggestions on management, including an annual statement that details “the initiatives undertaken in the area of Safeguarding (protection of minors and vulnerable persons).” (IL – n. 79) 

The Commission welcomed the document’s recommendations and said it shared in this approach as it currently prepares the release of its Annual Report, a comprehensive report developed in dialogue with local Churches and through the ad limina process, as a path of institutional transformation and conversion. 

“Safeguarding is more than just policy and protocol; it is a ministry at the very heart of the Catholic Church’s mission in the world that adheres to Christ’s call to protect ‘the least of these’(cf. Matthew 18:6) and heeds His warning to those who fail to do so,” said Cardinal Sean O’Malley, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.

“As we stated in our Call to Action before the start of the Synodal Assembly last year: ‘There can be little effective change in this area without the pastoral conversion of Church leaders.’  

In this regard, we hope that the Synod’s particular focus on accountability and transparency will foster the continued growth of a culture of Safeguarding in the Catholic Church,” the cardinal said.