Pope Francis’ appointment of Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith — which reviews clergy sex abuse cases — underscores the level of trust the pontiff has for our archbishop and sends a clear message about his priorities at a critically important time for the church.

I have no doubt that Cardinal Sean, who was named president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in 2014, will use his new leadership role to ensure that any bishops and priests who are found to have violated their sacred trust are removed and dealt with harshly and swiftly.

Richard Gaillardetz, chairman of Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry, said the appointment “recognizes the extent to which the pope has trust in O’Malley.”

“One of the criticisms of Francis that has the most substance is he has been slow in responding to the clerical sexual abuse crisis,” Gaillardetz said. “Cardinal O’Malley is someone he trusts, who has been in his ear to tell him this is a more important and serious issue than he may have realized.”

By continuing to bring clarity and consistency to Francis’ fight to identify and remove the abusive clergy members who have sullied the reputations of countless good, holy priests around the world, O’Malley will take his expertise onto the global stage and let Catholics know his task is the pope’s highest priority.

The pope’s announcement comes as Catholicism is forging a path forward in a world that is radically changing and becoming increasingly connected. And though there are some people out there who would love to destroy organized religion, it’s more important than ever that people of faith stand up and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the leaders who are working to improve the church.

I’m thinking of not just Cardinal Sean, but all the other great priests that we know and love, like the Rev. Robert E. Casey, Msgr. Liam Bergin, the Rev. Jack Ahern, the Rev. Joseph M. White and so many others.

By appointing Cardinal Sean to this important oversight commission, Pope Francis is protecting the good name of the priesthood and our church from those who have been going out of their way to tear it down. It’s clear practicing Catholics are getting sick and tired of all the attacks on the church.

Even HBO’s ludicrous new show, “The Young Pope,” only serves to make a mockery of our pope and our church.

But, as is often said, “any jackass can kick down a barn — but it takes a good carpenter to build one.”

That is why, at this crucial time, we all must stand tall, defend our beliefs and, as I often heard my beloved friend Pope John Paul II say, “Be not afraid.”

Raymond L. Flynn is a former mayor of Boston and a former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.