Memorare
Initiative
No-one left unaided
No-one left unaided
The origins of the Memorare Initiative are found in one of the core activities that have characterized the Pontifical Commission since its inception: listening to those who have been affected by sexual abuse, victims/survivors and their families, and meeting the needs of local church leaders in the areas of prevention of new cases and adequate attention to the complaints of those who have suffered.
The mandate for developing the Memorare Initiative is found in the Holy Father’s address to the Commission in April 2022, and in articles 2 and 5 of Vos estis lux mundi.
“I urge you to assist the Bishops’ Conferences – this is very important: to assist and supervise in dialogue with the Bishops’ Conferences – in the establishment of suitable centers where people who have suffered abuse, and their families, can find welcome and attentive listening and be accompanied in a process of healing and justice.”
Pope Francis
Objectives
Guarantee the adequate implementation of norms and policies for the Protection of Minors throughout the Church.
Work with local churches: identification of particular needs and provision of resources under the principle of subsidiarity.
Standardization of care and assistance services for victims/survivors and their families; always respecting the particularities of the local church and the autonomy of the local bishop.
In order to achieve these objectives, Memorare is based on three fundamental pillars
Justice and prevention can only be achieved by including the experience and perspective of victims/survivors in the church’s safeguarding policies.
“I am encouraged by your plans to address inequalities within the Church through training and victim assistance programs in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It is not right that only the more affluent areas of the world have well-trained and well-funded safeguarding programs […] here too the Church should seek to be a model of acceptance and good practice.”
Pope Francis, May 5th, 2023 .
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.
Last News
Commission Secretary to East Africa Bishops: We must let victims know they will be heard
Bishops in the Catholic Church are called to promote a safe environment while providing much needed support to those affected by abuse, Bishop Luis Ali Herrera, secretary to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) said in a message to East African bishops.
Rwanda: Missionaries of Africa hold safeguarding training session in Kigali
The Missionaries of Africa held a Safeguarding training program from June 15 to 30, for 25 child protection delegations from 17 countries across the African continent, as well as Mexico, the Netherlands, and England. The program, which was held at the Lavigerie Centre in Kigali, Rwanda, focused on enhancing knowledge of best practices for protecting minors and vulnerable adults.
Safeguarding Workshop in Argentina: from Chubut (Patagonia) to Buenos Aires
Two representatives of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors traveled to the...