Church leaders and safeguarding professionals gather under the theme “Together to Care” to build a nationwide culture of prevention and care. 

URUGUAY — The Catholic Church in Uruguay took a major step toward building a culture of safeguarding this past weekend, hosting its First National Meeting on Abuse Prevention under the theme “Together to Care.” 

The event, held on 17 and 18 May, brought together approximately 80 participants from across the country, representing a broad spectrum of the Church’s life. Attendees included bishops, priests, religious sisters and brothers, laypeople from various dioceses, members of ecclesial movements and associations, pastoral commission members, Catholic education leaders, seminary and formation house staff, professionals engaged in safeguarding training, and future coordinators of listening and victim support initiatives. 

Organised by the National Commission for the Prevention of Abuse of the Episcopal Conference of Uruguay (CEU), the meeting aimed to foster dialogue and coordinated action toward creating safer environments across all Church settings. 

“The work of prevention and care requires the sustained and collective effort of the entire People of God. It is a process that must permeate every space within the Church.” – Father Daniel Portillo 

Two staff members from the Commission provided keynote presentations: Father Daniel Portillo, Regional Expert for the Americas, and Lic. María Inés Franck, Director of Policies. Their contributions offered both conceptual frameworks and concrete pastoral strategies to guide the Church’s safeguarding efforts. 

In addition, Father Leonardo Risso, Advisor to the Memorare Project, presented this joint initiative of the CEU, the Conference of Religious of Uruguay, and the Commission. The project seeks to strengthen national safeguarding efforts through training, policy development, and structural support. 

The meeting also highlighted the current work of national safeguarding commissions, including the CEU’s National Commission for the Prevention of Abuse and the Conference of Religious of Uruguay’s Commission for Care. The collaborative presentations underscored the synodal approach underpinning the Church’s response in Uruguay. 

On May 19, a follow-up gathering was held for Church leaders, bringing together bishops, provincial superiors and religious delegates. The session provided an opportunity to deepen understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and to map out future collaborative efforts. 

Several lines of action emerged from the discussions and will be further developed in upcoming meetings. 

The First National Meeting on Abuse Prevention marks a key milestone in the Church’s ongoing safeguarding journey in Uruguay. The National Commission will now continue shaping its mission, committed to fostering Church spaces where prevention, listening, and care are lived expressions of the Gospel.