VATICAN CITY (VATICAN CITY)
Interaksyon - Philstar Gobal [Metro Manila, Philippines]
October 24, 2025
By Roy Lagarde
Pope Leo XIV has renewed his appeal for ‘no tolerance for any form of abuse in the Church’ as Catholic leaders in the Philippines gathered to address clerical sexual abuse.
In his message for the first National Safeguarding Conference in the Philippines, the pope emphasized the need for effective safeguarding and transparency within Church institutions.
He described the Church as “our spiritual home,” where every parish and pastoral activity should be a place “to glorify God and care for others, especially children and the vulnerable.
“In this regard,” Pope Leo said, “I renew my appeal that there can be no tolerance for any form of abuse in the Church.”
His message was transmitted by Archbishop Charles Brown, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, to Archbishop Florentino Lavarias of San Fernando, who chairs the CBCP Office on the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable People.
The four-day gathering in Clark, Pampanga, which ended Oct. 23, brought together more than 370 bishops, diocesan and religious safeguarding officers, and pastoral workers from the Philippines and neighboring countries.
The pope also urged participants to implement “essential policies and practices that ensure transparency in dealing with cases, foster a culture of prevention and safeguard ‘these little ones’ of the Lord.”
“In doing so,” he encouraged, “the Church in the Philippines and beyond will be a more authentic witness of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who always loves and cares for His flock.”