Daniele Donnini, the Asia-Oceania regional expert for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM), was among the speakers at the 65th Annual General Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands (SI). 

The meeting took place from April 9-19 at the conference headquarters in Gordons, Port Moresby. 

Presenting the Commission and its Purpose  

At the conference, Daniele presented the objectives of the PCPM, its Safeguarding protocol, the Universal Guidelines Framework (UGF), and the building capacity program, also known as the Memorare Initiative (MI), to the participating bishops. 

The initiative was developed by the PCPM in response to Pope Francis’ request to assist local churches in implementing the requirements of church law for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. The Memorare Initiative has three pillars: 

• Firstly, the creation of structures and systems to receive reports of abuse and assist people impacted by abuse in an appropriate manner; 

• Secondly, assistance in the development and implementation of Safeguarding policies and formation; 

• Thirdly, the creation of local Safeguarding networks for resource sharing.  

The UGF and MI were presented as a way to find a common and appropriate manner of accompanying persons affected by abuse and reporting cases.  

The Safeguarding Needs of the Local Churches 

The regional expert held a session for bishops, religious, and lay leaders to address and discuss questions regarding how Safeguarding initiatives can be implemented in the countries.  

Daniele also met with Cardinal John Ribat of Port Moseby to discuss the needs of the local church in Papua New Guinea and the potential for further collaboration with Caritas on Safeguarding initiatives.  

He also met with members of the Conference Board for Right Relationships in Ministry, including Bishop Rozario Menezes of Lae, Papua New Guinea, deputy of the board; Bishop Joseph Durero of Daru-Kiunga, Papua New Guinea, assistant deputy; and Sr. Ancy John, director.  

Together, they discussed the local guidelines and needs related to current issues associated to the care, pastoral accompaniment, and response to victims/survivors and cases of abuse. 

Daniele met with Fr. Jacek Tendej, the Rector of Holy Spirit Seminary in Bomana, Papua New Guinea, to review the current Safeguarding curriculum for the formation of future priests and discussed the need for continuous content updates.  

The visit highlighted the need for collaboration in Safeguarding measures and capacity building in the local church and gave the opportunity to establish relations with local church leaders who are vital to creating a safer environment for all.