Papal sex-abuse panel will join in orientation sessions for new bishops

September 12, 2016

The papal commission on sexual abuse will participate in an annual Vatican training session for new bishops this year, for the first time.

Last year, the training session for newly appointed bishops generated controversy when one speaker said that prelates are not required to report abuse complaints to local law-enforcement officials. The papal commission quickly issued a statement indicating the bishops are expected to report credible complaints. But the incident underlined the fact that no one from the commission had been included in the meeting. This year, commission members will address the new bishops.

In a related development, the papal commission had recommended an annual day of prayer for the victims of sexual abuse. The commission suggested that public prayers would help to underline the importance of the issue and the commitment of the Church to protect young people. At the commission's suggestion, Pope Francis has asked each nation's episcopal conference to designate a day for that purpose. 

 

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Further information:

• Pope’s anti-sex abuse panel scores victory in Vatican (AP)
• Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors: day of prayer for survivors and victims of sexual abuse (Vatican press office)
• Bishops must report abuse complaints to law enforcement, papal commission reaffirms (CWN, 2/15/16)