Episode II of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors’ Inside Safeguarding podcast has landed, this month featuring an in-depth interview with internationally recognised advocate, survivor, and member of the Commission, Juan Carlos Cruz. 

He takes us on his personal journey and his vision for the future of safeguarding in the Church and shares hard-won insights from his years of global advocacy, reflecting on what has changed, what still must be confronted, and why a survivor-centred approach is essential to meaningful reform. 

The episode is framed by a moment of transition for the Church. Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the College of Cardinals convened in Rome and elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new pope, who has taken the name Leo XIV. In light of this, the episode raises a vital question: how will this new pontificate carry forward the momentum of safeguarding reform, and how might it reshape the Church’s response to abuse in the years to come? 

Alongside this conversation, the episode offers a detailed recap of recent developments in safeguarding around the world. Listeners will hear about the opening of a new survivor Listening Centre in Patagonia, renewed commitments from Church leaders in Australia, and a national safeguarding summit in Poland, where Bishop Luis Manuel Alí Herrera called for a “revolution of transparency.” These diverse initiatives share a common purpose: to embed safeguarding into the spiritual and institutional life of the Church. 

The final segment introduces listeners to the Commission’s Annual Report, offering a practical guide to its structure and intended use. Whether you are a Church leader, safeguarding professional, or someone seeking to understand the Church’s global safeguarding efforts, the report is a flexible tool designed to support learning, collaboration, and accountability. 

Inside Safeguarding is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and on the Commission’s website. 

Also available is the Commission’s monthly News Letter, read and subscribe at tutelaminorum.va