The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors said it was encouraged that protecting children and vulnerable people was a priority in the College of Cardinals’ pre-conclave discussions. Source: OSV News.
In a statement published on Monday, the commission called for prayers for the cardinals and said its members stand with “the People of God in a plea for discernment guided by the Holy Spirit – and shaped by the cries of those harmed by abuse within the Church”.
“We pray for cardinals who carry the grave responsibility of choosing the next successor of Peter, that they may be guided by courage, humility and a commitment to safeguarding,” the statement read.
The issue of clerical sexual abuse was among the discussions at several of the general congregation meetings, according to daily reports by Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office.
Mr Bruni said a cardinal urged his brothers to face the issue “as a ‘wound’ to be kept ‘open,’ so that awareness of the problem remains alive and concrete paths for its healing can be identified”.
“We are heartened by the fact that the protection of children and vulnerable people from abuse have been a priority for the cardinals present in Rome in discussions leading up to the conclave,” the commission said. “The Church’s credibility depends on real accountability, transparency and action rooted in justice.”
Advocates for victims and survivors have expressed concern regarding several possible candidates to succeed Pope Francis, who died April 21, criticising them for their records on handling abuse cases.
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Child protection commission urges prayers for cardinals in conclave (By Junno Arocho Esteves, OSV News)
