Vatican
Justice Pope Francis asks the Church for a report on child abuse cases

By Karin Hiebaum
International Correspondent

The Supreme Pontiff asked for "transparency" on the part of the diocese.

The Pope has asked the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors to "annually" prepare a report with "the initiatives of the Church for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults" in relation to cases of abuse in the Church, while noting that, where there is reliable data, these facts have declined in recent years. He also called for "transparency in the dioceses".

Although he acknowledged that this can be a "difficult task at the beginning", Francis assured that it is necessary to provide "a reliable report on what is happening and what must change, so that the competent authorities can act".

In this sense, he has assured that such a report will be a factor of "transparency and accountability" since it will "provide clear information" on the progress of the Church in this area. "If there is no progress, the faithful will continue to lose confidence in their pastors, which will make it increasingly difficult to proclaim and witness to the Gospel," he warned.

"The seeds sown are beginning to bear fruit. The incidence of abuse of minors by clergy has shown a decline for several years in those parts of the world where reliable data and resources are available," Francis assured the audience with members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which concluded its plenary assembly this week.

Francis focused on the most immediate needs that the Commission can help to resolve, especially for "the welfare and pastoral care of those who have suffered abuse." In this way, he urged the Vatican commission that deals with the guardianship of minors to "oversee, in dialogue with the bishops' conferences, the creation of special centers where abused persons and their families can find welcome and a listening ear and be accompanied on a path of healing and justice."

He also praised their work, noting that "minors and vulnerable people are safer today in the Church". In his address to the members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, he assured that the "path of healing" for victims "is long and difficult" while condemning that "abuse, in all its forms, is unacceptable."

"Sexual abuse of children is especially serious because it offends life when it is flourishing. Instead of thriving, the abused person is wounded, sometimes indelibly," he said.