VATICAN CITY
DFW Catholic
Vatican City, Sep 10, 2014 / 04:28 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The protection of minors from sexual abuse is a number one priority for Pope Francis, says the new secretary of a papal commission to protect minors, who believes that the global Church can play a leading role against abuse.
“Protecting children, protecting those who are defenseless against those who would harm them, especially because they are in difficult situations, because they are poor, because no one is looking after them – this is a gospel priority,” Monsignor Robert Oliver told CNA Sept. 10.
“The Lord had quite strong words about caring for his children. I think the Holy Father really sees this as an important priority.”
On Sept. 10, it was announced that Msgr. Oliver was appointed secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which is headed by Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston.
Prior to the appointment, Msgr. Oliver has spent years helping the U.S. Church implement reforms to prevent and respond to abuse of minors.
“I deeply think this is a very important area for the Church,” the priest said. “We have a responsibility to our children. Everyone around the world knows the pain and suffering that our children have gone through, that our Church has gone through.”
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.