Pope Francis will be remembered not only as a steadfast spiritual leader, but as the architect of a historic cultural shift within the Church—placing the protection of minors and vulnerable persons at the heart of its mission.

Marking the Jubilee Year, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors made a Pilgrimage of Reparation and Hope on the eve of Holy Week carrying with them, as they crossed the Holy Door, the prayers and testimonies of everyone who has reached out to the Commission over the past decade. A reflection offered by Commission Secretary Bishop Luis Manuel Alí Herrera:

Addressing the Spring Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, Constitutional Law Professor David Smolin, director of the Centre for Children, Law and Ethics at Samford University Cumberland, emphasized the Church’s evolving response to sexual abuse through a theological lens he described as “conversional justice”—a distinctively Catholic framework rooted in truth, justice, reparation and institutional reform.

ROME – In an inspiring message delivered from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis urged the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors to persevere in their crucial mission with “unwavering dedication and renewed hope.

LIMA, Peru – The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors marked a significant milestone in its efforts across Latin America with the second regional meeting of Memorare Advisors on Feb. 28, 2025. The gathering took place during the 4^th Latrin American Congress on the Protection of Minors, co-organized by CEPROME Latin American, PCPM, and the Peruvian Bishop’s Conference.  

Pope urges Latin American Safeguarding Congress in Peru to ensure human dignity remains at the heart of technological advances. In opening speech Commission Secretary Ali Herrera says we must work together to establish ethical standards and protective measures. 

“If children are our future, caring about their wellbeing needs to happen today. And that includes making Internet a safe place, for them and with them. For now and for their future.”
– Maud de Boer Buquicchio, Chair of the Commission’s Study Group on Online Abuse 

In the inaugural address at the World Meeting on Children’s Rights at the Vatican on Monday February 3, Pope Frances says nothing is more precious than the life of a child “To kill children is to deny the future”  

Commission Secretary Bishop Ali and member Archbishop Thibault Verny travel to Ivory Coast, home to 62 ethnic groups, and hear from bishops, religious and faith communities working in challenging contexts to advance an end to sexual violence on the ground.    

A Commission delegation recently returned from the Central African Republic, highlighting the vitality of the young church and its growing safeguarding needs 

A three-day conference on Safeguarding in the Catholic Church in Europe concluded in Rome Friday with a resounding call for continued vigilance and collaboration in creating a safer Church environment.

At the heart of the Annual Report presented by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, is the recognition of the unjust suffering and the courageous testimonies of victims and survivors, Commission president, Cardinal Sean O’Malley OFM Cap., told journalists at the October 29^th presentation at the Holy See Press Office.

The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors announced that it will present its pilot Annual Report on Safeguarding at the Holy See Press Office on Tuesday, October 29^th.