Church's failure exposed: Only 20% dioceses engage in reform effort
The Chair of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley, acknowledged that the Church underwent a "dark period" during which its leaders did not follow essential procedures and standards to protect victims of pedophilia. The American cardinal emphasized that the Church "tragically failed" those entrusted to it and highlighted the urgent need for reforms.
9:03 AM EDT, October 30, 2024
Presenting the first annual report on efforts to protect minors in the Church, Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley expressed deep disappointment that only 20 percent of dioceses responded to the questionnaire that formed the basis for the document's development.
The hierarch noted that resolving the abuse crisis is difficult but necessary.
The church on the dignity of children
The report includes, among other things, a proposal for a papal encyclical on the dignity of children and victims' rights. The document is dedicated to those harmed by clergymen.
"Indeed, it is only by listening to them directly that we can learn the truth of their human dignity being repeatedly violated," said Cardinal O'Malley, expressing gratitude to the victims for their courage in sharing their experiences.
Referring to the Church's past, the hierarch stated: "Their stories reveal a deceitful period where Church leaders tragically failed those we are called to shepherd. It is an unprofessional period where Church leaders make decisions without any adherence to policies, procedures or basic standards of concern for the victims."
He also added: "It is a dark period where distrust obstructs the Church’s ability to be a witness to Christ."
However, the cardinal emphasized that a new phase has begun: "accountability, care and concern for victims is beginning to bring light to the darkness." He pointed out the importance of abuse reporting systems that allow listening to victims and responding to their needs and the necessity of a trauma-informed approach.
The church prefers to protect its reputation over victims
The report noted that the European Church has not made the expected progress in fighting abuses. In some countries, the institution's reputation seems to take priority over victim protection. It highlighted the lack of available mechanisms for reporting and the lack of response by church authorities to reports. It stressed the necessity of taking disciplinary actions against leaders who did not respond to abuses and compensating victims.
During the conference, spoke Chilean victims' rights advocate Juan Carlos Cruz
"Truth, justice, reparation and a guarantee of non-recurrence. Those are heavy, heavy words that before were taboo in many places," he said.
He expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for the actions taken and care for victims, adding that a new day is beginning for the Church.
