VATICAN CITY
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(Vatican Radio) In comments following Saturday’s announcement of the institution of the new Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi sj reaffirmed the commitment of Pope Francis’ predecessors, Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI to the safeguarding of minors. Fr. Lombardi cited Benedict XVI who said the Church needs “to establish the truth of what happened in the past, to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent it from occurring again, to ensure that the principles of justice are fully respected and, above all,to bring healing to the victims and to all those affected by these egregious crimes” (Pope Benedict XVI, Address to the Irish Bishops, 28 October 2006).
Listen to Tracey McClure’s report:
Fr. Lombardi said “Pope Francis has made clear that the Church must hold the protection of minors amongst Her highest priorities,” and as part of that commitment, has established this new commission by appointing “several highly qualified persons who are committed to this issue.”
Apart from initially drafting the body’s Statute, the members, he said, will be called to propose names of “additional candidates, especially from other continents and countries, who can offer service to the Commission.”
Fr. Lombardi said the Church has a “critical role” to play in upholding what he called a “sacred responsibilityof ensuring the safety of young people.” He explained the Commission will “take a multi-pronged approach to promoting youth protection, including: education regarding the exploitation of children; discipline of offenders; civil and canonical duties and responsibilities; and the development of best practices as they have emerged in society at large.”
Below please find the full transcript of Fr. Lombardi’s remarks:
As Blessed John Paul II declared, “People need to know that there is no place in the priesthood and religious life for those who would harm the young…. So much pain, so much sorrow must lead to a holier priesthood, a holier episcopate, and a holier Church” (Address of John Paul II to the Cardinals of the United States, 23 April 2002).
In the words of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, as we commit ourselves to the safeguarding of minors, we need “to establish the truth of what happened in the past, to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent it from occurring again, to ensure that the principles of justice are fully respected and, above all, to bring healing to the victims and to all those affected by these egregious crimes” (Pope Benedict XVI, Address to the Irish Bishops, 28 October 2006).
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