Ten years after its establishment amid a global scandal of clerical child sex abuse, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors is finally releasing its first annual report on Tuesday.
This highly anticipated document, according to the commission promises to offer a glimpse into the Church’s efforts to address the crisis and is the “first step” documenting “where risks remain, and where advances can be found.”
The commission, set up by Pope Francis in 2014, has been criticised for its structure, funding, and perceived lack of effectiveness, with several high-profile members resigning over the years.
However, the Pope’s decision to incorporate the body into the Roman Curia and mandate an annual report signalled a commitment to greater accountability and transparency.
The report “collects resources and good practices to be shared across the Universal Church, and makes specific recommendations to promote further progress in safeguarding,” the commission said in a statement last week.
The report, spearheaded by Dutch lawyer Maud de Boer Buquicchio and
former UN special rapporteur on the sexual exploitation of children, said that the report aims to fill a critical gap in available data, addressing concerns about the lack of knowledge surrounding the issue. The report is divided into four key areas:
A review of safeguarding policies in local churches: Each year, the commission will analyze policies in 15-20 local churches each year.
Trends across continents: This section will analyze trends in abuse reporting and prevention strategies across different regions.
Policies within the Vatican: The report will examine safeguarding measures implemented within the Vatican itself.
The Church’s broader role in society: This section will delve into the Church’s wider role in preventing and addressing child abuse within society.
The commission hopes the report will serve as a “tool for promoting a change of mindset” within the Church, urging a commitment to accountability and transparency.
The report’s release comes after a tumultuous period for the commission, marked by internal disagreements and resignations of prominent members. Despite these challenges, the commission, comprised of experts in safeguarding, law, and human rights, continues its work, guided by the Pope’s mandate.
Francesco Zanardi, founder of the Italian survivors group Rete L’Abuso (The Abuse Network), told Agence France-Presse at the time that the commission was “absolutely useless.”
Since taking office in March 2013, Francis has lifted papal secrecy on sexual abuse by clergy and obliged both clergy and lay people to report all cases to their superiors.
