Pontifical abuse commission studying bishops’ accountability

February 09, 2015

The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, led by Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston, is discussing “accountability of bishops and working on policy recommendations for the Holy Father’s approval,” according to a Vatican Radio report.

“These would include consequences for bishops who do not comply with child protection norms, or respond to allegations,” the report added.

At a February 7 press conference, Cardinal O’Malley said that the commission will “reach out to help suggest best practices, especially to conferences that are finding it difficult to develop policies,” “promote education and child safety programs, and “present methods for measuring compliance.”

The commission is preparing materials for a day of prayer for abuse victims and will encourage Catholic organizations “to include some requirements concerning child protection in their guidelines for eligibility for funding.”

 

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Further information:

• Vatican Commission for protection of minors to study issue of accountability (Vatican Radio)
• Cardinal O'Malley reports on the work of the Commission for the Protection of Minors (VIS)
• Briefing sui lavori della Commissione per la Tutela dei minori (Holy See Press Office)