Pope Leo XIV Reaffirms Commitment to Child Protection in Vatican Meeting

Pope Leo XIV met with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) at the Vatican, marking his first encounter with the group since his election on May 8. The commission, established in 2014 by Pope Francis, comprises abuse prevention experts tasked with advising the pope and implementing best practices for safeguarding minors in local churches worldwide. During the meeting, the commission updated Pope Leo on the progress of the Memorare Initiative, a program designed to support local churches, particularly in the Global South, in protecting minors and caring for victims of abuse.

The Memorare Initiative is tailored to each ecclesial context, respecting local autonomy while providing essential support to ensure churches can uphold their duty to protect the vulnerable. Cardinal Seán O’Malley, founder of the PCPM and Archbishop emeritus of Boston, emphasized that the commission’s priorities under Pope Leo remain unchanged, with a focus on prioritizing victims and their families. Transparency is crucial, and working with civil authorities is a vital step forward in addressing clergy sex abuse cases.

The meeting comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Church’s handling of abuse cases. Cardinal O’Malley highlighted the importance of transparency, accountability, and education within the Church to ensure the protection of children and young people. By prioritizing safeguarding and implementing best practices, the Church can uphold its mission as an expression of God’s love and mercy. The PCPM’s work is critical in addressing the damage caused by abuse scandals and restoring trust in the Church.