More than 25 countries from across Europe have gathered in Rome for a conference dedicated to the Church’s ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable.
vatican city
Rome, Thursday, November 14, 2024 (REI): From November 13 to 15, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors hosts the conference “Safeguarding the Catholic Church in Europe.” It aims to build on the work of the European Security Network launched in Warsaw, Poland, in 2021.
The Pope’s message of unity
To kick off the three-day conference, Pope Francis sent a letter to participants in which he praised the presence of these countries, some of which are experiencing wars and conflicts. He reminded them of their call to establish peace in the world and called their presence “clear evidence of unity and solidarity beyond all borders.”
The Pope expressed his hope that the conference will create a network of “people and good practices” willing to share information and support each other in their efforts to deliver effective and sustainable programs. He encouraged participants to create initiatives that “provide comfort and assistance to those who suffer, a sign of the Church’s concern for justice, healing and reconciliation.”
Diversity can be a source of healing
For this conference, 100 delegates have gathered in Rome, including bishops and priests from 25 European countries, as well as lay women, victims and survivors. The conference officially opened with a video message from Cardinal Sean O’Malley, archbishop of Boston and president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
The cardinal highlighted the diversity of Europe, which “offers us knowledge of cultures, languages, ethnicities and religions.” He hopes these differences can help repair the damage done to “children, now adults” who suffered abuse in the Catholic Church. Emphasizing the importance of giving a voice to victims and survivors, Cardinal O’Malley said that “children are at the center of our faith.”
He emphasized the need to lead with compassion, as well as to follow “due process in investigating the allegations.”
an ongoing mission
In September 2021, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors held a safeguarding conference in Warsaw with the theme “Our common mission to protect God’s children”. Its purpose was to invite the exchange of experiences and establish a network with church representatives to better educate themselves on security.
