Memorare

Initiative

No Church too remote, no one left unaided: a unique initiative within the Church.

The Memorare Initiative supports dioceses, communities and Catholic institutions around the world in developing and strengthening safeguarding systems for the protection of minors and vulnerable persons.

It provides the resources, training and expertise needed to turn the commitment to safeguarding into something real, structured and lasting.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Vos estis lux mundi, the Initiative responds concretely to the Holy Father’s call to ensure that every person who has suffered abuse within the Church may find listening, justice and healing.

“Listening to victims and accompanying them must find concrete expression in actions aimed at preventing abuses and ensuring that everyone in the Church can contribute to making it a safe place for minors and vulnerable adults.”

Pope Francis

Supporting local Churches means helping them build lasting structures capable of protecting minors, assisting victims and promoting a culture of safeguarding rooted in responsibility, transparency and care.

In order to achieve these objectives, Memorare is based on three fundamental pillars:

Victim Assistance and Accompaniment

The Initiative promotes and supports reception, listening and accompaniment services for victims and survivors of abuse, ensuring professional support and appropriate pastoral care.

Prevention and Safeguarding Training

Prevent new cases through safeguarding training, educational programmes and the development of policies and procedures that foster safe environments within ecclesial communities.

Sustainability and Capacity Building

In a spirit of sustainability, networks of professionals are encouraged as a tool contributing to the long-term sustainability of the project.

The Initiative seeks to:

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Ensure the proper implementation of safeguarding norms and policies for the protection of minors throughout the Church.

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Collaborate with local Churches by identifying their specific needs and accompanying them in the development of safeguarding structures.

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Harmonise reception, listening and assistance services for victims and survivors.

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Promote a culture of safeguarding through education, formation and awareness.

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Strengthen the Church’s safeguarding policies through cooperation and accountability.

Prevention is never just about responding to abuse after it occurs. It means creating environments in which abuse becomes far less likely to happen.

Financial Transparency and Governance

Dedicated Memorare Fund

Separately identified within the Commission’s accounts, ensuring all resources are managed transparently and traceably.

Allocation Criteria

Funds are allocated according to clear safeguarding priorities and verified local needs.

Monitoring and Accountability

Requests are subject to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, ensuring accountability, transparency and appropriate use of funds.

Long-term Sustainability

Projects are designed to become progressively self-sustaining by integrating training, services and local resources.

Memorare worldwide

Memoranda of understanding

The Memoranda of Understanding of the Memorare Initiative bring together the agreements signed between the Commission and various local Churches and ecclesial bodies to strengthen formation, cooperation and the creation of safe environments for minors and vulnerable persons. This space brings together the documents already available and will be progressively expanded as we advance in this global effort to consolidate an authentic culture of protection and shared responsibility.

MoU Archive