Dr. Teresa Kettelkamp, Deputy Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, provides an overview of the “Pilot Annual Report on the Church’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures.” By Christopher Wells “Victims want to be heard and victims want justice,” says Dr. Teresa Kettelkamp, explaining some of the findings of the “Pilot Annual Report…
As the Synod on Synodality explores the issue of abuse and the Church’s efforts to combat it, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, speaks to Vatican News about the different procedures implemented and the effectiveness existing canonical norms. By Andrea Tornielli The fight against abuse remains a constant concern within the…
Vatican news Pope Francis leads Synod members and participants in a service of penance, expressing shame for our sins and seeking forgiveness from God and those we have harmed. By Christopher Wells During a penitential service marked by testimonies from those wounded by abuse, war and lack of charity, Pope Francis asked for forgiveness from…
Vatican news As Pope Francis arrives in Belgium, Fr. Walter Ceyssens, a Jesuit working with youth, shares his hopes and expectations for the Pope’s visit to the country. By Joseph Tulloch – Brussels Pope Francis has landed in Belgium, beginning a brief but action-packed visit to the country. During his stay, he will meet the…
The Holy See Press Office reports that the preliminary canonical investigation into an anonymous accusation against Canadian Cardinal Gérald Lacroix, Archbishop of Quebec, found “no act constituting misconduct or abuse” and therefore ” no other canonical procedure is provided.” By Vatican News The Holy See Press Office issued a statement on May 21 regarding the…
Vatican news Roger Vangheluwe, 87-year-old former bishop of Bruges, was dismissed from his post after being found guilty of child abuse. Pope Francis approved the sentence after a re-examination of the case in light of “new serious elements” reported to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. By Salvatore Cernuzio The decades-long case against…
Vatican news Pope Francis sends a message to participants at a safeguarding conference in Panama and calls on Church institutions to eradicate situations that protect abusers who hide behind their positions of authority. By Devin Watkins “Humanizing relationships in any society, including in the Church, means working tirelessly to form mature and coherent individuals who,…