VATICAN CITY (RNS) — A report published Tuesday (Oct. 29) by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors details the steps the Catholic Church has taken in recent years to prevent sexual abuse, while recognizing the shortcomings of its current safeguards against abuse.
“This pilot report, which comes as the commission marks its 10th anniversary, is a snapshot of the journey of conversion that we have been on,” said Cardinal Sean O’Malley, president of the commission and with 40 years of experience handling the clerical abuse crisis, at a news conference at the Vatican on Tuesday.
“It is a journey towards a transparent and accountable ministry of safeguarding, towards greater outreach, welcome and support for victims and survivors, in their pursuit of justice and healing,” said O’Malley, who is archbishop of Boston.
In 2022, the commission was put under the jurisdiction of the Vatican’s doctrinal department, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. While members of the commission initially “balked” at the loss of their independence, O’Malley said, they have since had a change of heart, since the move means the commission will be a permanent one. “We still have that independence that will help us in our role of advocacy and trust by the victims …