On October 29, 2024, the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors issued its first-ever annual report assessing the Catholic Church’s progress in safeguarding minors from abuse worldwide.
Commission President Cardinal Seán O’Malley presented the 50-page report, which examines Church policies in dioceses and religious orders across five continents. The document, requested by Pope Francis in 2022, focuses on policy strengths and gaps in regions such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia, where limited resources hinder effective abuse prevention efforts.
The report emphasizes the need for victims to have better access to information about their cases, citing opaque processes as a persistent issue. Cardinal O’Malley acknowledged that victims often face challenges in obtaining updates on their cases, which can lead to re-traumatization. He said that the Church’s response requires “truth, justice, and reparations.”
The commission’s findings also identify inconsistencies in safeguarding resources and personnel. It notes that while Europe and North America generally have stronger prevention systems, certain dioceses in South America and Africa still lack adequate support for survivors. In Papua New Guinea, for instance, limited funding affects both victim services and the ability to collect criminal evidence.
Additionally, the report calls for clearer protocols among Vatican offices handling abuse cases, noting previous delays. For dioceses facing similar challenges, the commission recommends establishing consistent reporting structures. The Vatican plans to support affected regions through its Memorare Initiative, which has raised funds for abuse prevention centers in the Global South.
Pray for an end to abuse! 🙏
Editorial credit: Dmytro Surkov / Shutterstock.com
