VATICAN CITY
Vatican Insider

Among the issues addressed by the Commission’s work group were: pastoral care for victims, guidelines in best practice and norms governing allegations of abuse

IACOPO SCARAMUZZI
VATICAN CITY

The Vatican Commission for the Protection of Minors which held its first meeting with all members present from Friday to Sunday in the Vatican, “is keenly aware that the issue of accountability is of major importance.” This was communicated in a statement dated February 8th and issued today by the Holy See newsroom. It comes after members of the body – created by Pope Francis in December 2013 and led by Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley – expressed the need for suitable punishments for bishops who neglect or cover up accusations made against priests who commit sex abuse in their dioceses. They did so during a briefing held Saturday. In its Assembly, members agreed on an initial…