Protection of Minors Commission sets priorities for next phase of work

The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors met in Rome from September 28 to October 2 to establish priorities for its next phase of work, according to a press release from October 5. Members focused on accountability, the involvement of victims and survivors, and strengthening protection structures across the global Church.

During the assembly, members reviewed the upcoming Third Annual Report on Church protection policies and procedures. They also approved a working document for the Fourth Annual Report, which is scheduled for publication in 2027. The Commission noted that the participation of victims and survivors is essential to understanding how institutions respond to abuse and creating policies to prevent it from happening again.

The Commission also reviewed plans to distribute and implement the next phase of its Universal Safeguarding Framework. Discussions centered on making these guidelines accessible and using existing local and regional Church structures to support them. Additionally, members examined the implementation of new Commission statutes and the sustainability of safeguarding efforts worldwide.