"Tutela Minorum" holds its plenary session: annual report and progress in local Churches"I want to assure all the victims and survivors (of abuse) that we will do everything possible to continue to welcome you, to assist you in facing all the suffering you have endured. We respect your courageous witness, and we recognize that perhaps you are tired of empty words," the Pope said. Cardinal O'Malleypresident of 'Tutela minorum', during the presentation of the Report.
"Your suffering has opened us to the fact that as a Church we have failed to care for the victims, we have been reluctant to understand you, and all that we will do will not be enough to repair all the damage you have suffered," he added.
"We hope that this report, and successive reports, together with the help of the victims, will help ensure that these terrible events will no longer occur. This Report, which comes on the occasion of the Commission's tenth anniversary, represents a snapshot of what is the journey of conversion we have undertaken.
"It is a journey toward a transparent and accountable ministry of protection," the cardinal noted, "toward greater closeness, welcome and support for victims and survivors in their search for justice and healing."
A period of "betrayals" and "lack of professionalism".
The president of 'Tutela Minurum" distinguished two stages in the itinerary "of our journey as Church", after "the experiences lived painfully". "The first one I lived continuously for almost 40 years as a bishop, through personal closeness with the victims, their families, their loved ones and communities. I have heard powerful testimonies of betrayal one feels when one is abused by a person in whom one has placed one's trust, and the lifelong implications of such abuse."
"I am enormously grateful to the victims for their openness," he went on to note, "which has allowed me to walk with them. Their stories reveal a period of mistrust in which Church leaders tragically failed those whom we are called to follow. It was also a time when professionalism did not reign."
Now, "path of healing and culture of protection".
"We are now beginning a second stage that we see taking shape in many parts of the world, where accountability, concern and care for victims is beginning to shed light on the darkness. It's a period where there are robust reporting systems in place, allowing us to listen, to respond to victims, with a trauma-informed approach."
It is a period in which risk management protocols and informed supervision promote safe environments. The Church now provides professional services to accompany victims as a commitment to this healing journey and promote a culture of protection." "This is a time when the Church fully embraces its protective safeguarding ministry."
Mexico data deficit
However, there are still obscure points. For example, during the hearing, members of the Pontifical Commission confirmed one point of the Report: only 20 percent of the Mexican dioceses have responded to the questionnaire sent. The secretary of the Commission confirmed this, but added that some bishops' conferences were late at first, but have since been providing more information. Cardinal O'Malley expressed his "disappointment at the lack of Mexican response".
"There is no link between celibacy and abuse."
In response to another question, Cardinal O'Malley stated that he has not seen any serious study linking priestly celibacy with child abuse, "there is no link". "Celibacy is not a cause of pedophilia," he added. "Children must be respected and guarded," added another person on the commission.
Testimony of a victim
Present at the Vatican media briefing was a victim who is working on the commission, Juan Carlos. In his words, he said that it has helped him a lot to work in it, and that he hopes to help other victims to follow this path. He also praised the act for the victims organized by the Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal José Cobo, a few days ago, in particular when he pointed out that "we are not going to turn the page".
Ordering and some outlines of the report
"Listening to victims/survivors and learning from them: from 2014 to 2024 and beyond", titles the recently presented Report its final part, after recalling at the outset that it is a commission from the Pope Francisbecause "if there were no progress (in the protection of minors and vulnerable adults), the faithful would continue to lose confidence in their pastors, making it increasingly difficult to proclaim and witness to the Gospel" (Pope Francis, April 29, 2022).
Indeed, "the lessons learned from these direct engagements with victims/survivors deeply underpin the analysis presented in this annual report. The Commission is fully committed to continuing to broaden the participation of victims/survivors in the process of this cyclical report," it states.
The Report's "Justice and Conversion" model consists of five main interlocking pillars: Conversion away from Evil, Truth, Justice, Reparations and Guarantees of Non-Repetition".
Process improvement, 'Memorare' initiative
The Cardinal President summarized the content of this first 'Tutela Minorum' Report in two or three aspects. Firstly, "the improvement of the canonical processes of reception and follow-up of complaints, in favor of the victims/survivors and their families, that respects, simultaneously: the right of access to information, the right to privacy and the right to the protection of personal data".
Secondly, "the professionalization of those involved in the protection of minors and vulnerable adults in the Church by providing them with formal academic opportunities and adequate resources."
At this point, he mentioned the initiative 'Memorare', first word of the Memorare to the Blessed Virgin, which at the request of the Holy Father, develops the tasks of protection in the global south, according to the Moru Proprio Vos estis lux mundi.
Jurisdiction in the Roman Curia, simplification
Other highlights, among the Commission's observations, include the following.
- "The need for a clear determination of the jurisdiction of the various dicasteries of the Roman Curia, seeking to ensure effective, timely and rigorous management of cases of sexual abuse, referred to the Holy See."
- "The need for a simplified process, when warranted, for the resignation or removal of a Church leader."
- "The need to further develop the Magisterium of the Church on the protection of minors and vulnerable adults, from an integral theological-pastoral perspective, which promotes the conversion of the Church regarding the dignity of the child and human rights, and their relationship to abuse."
"Rigorous management of repairs."
- "The need to be aware of damages and compensation policies that promote rigorous management of reparations, as part of the Church's commitment and responsibility to support victims/survivors in their healing journey."
As recalled at the outset, the Pontifical Commission "is committed to continue to broaden the participation of victims/survivors in the process of this cyclical report".
The September issue of this year's Omnes magazine, dedicated to abuse, whose editorial is entitled 'Time to Heal', contains articles by experts that preview some of the aspects of the report presented today.
