Parts of the Roman Catholic Church are still struggling to ensure that clerical sexual abuse is adequately reported, according to a recent statement from Pope Francis’ commission on child protection.
The commission’s annual report raised concerns about a lack of transparency within the Vatican regarding abuse cases.
The report, the first of its kind from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, reviewed safeguarding practices from bishops in 17 regions worldwide, as well as how the Vatican handles abuse cases. It highlighted issues such as insufficient reporting structures and limited support services for victims.
The commission emphasized that ongoing secrecy within the church’s central administration risks further eroding trust, especially among abuse survivors.
Among the recommendations, the report suggested providing compensation for survivors, appointing a special “procurator” for victims, and encouraging Pope Francis to release an encyclical on child and vulnerable adult protection.
These recommendations come shortly after the pope’s visit to Belgium, where both the king and prime minister pressed for more concrete actions against abuse.
During a Vatican news conference to release the report, Cardinal O’Malley acknowledged the need for more progress, though he reiterated that the church is working toward greater transparency and accountability.
Abuse survivor and commission member Juan-Carlos Cruz called the report a crucial first step, expressing gratitude to Pope Francis for prioritizing survivor welfare. Cruz also criticized the lack of transparency in abuse investigations, which he said can re-traumatize victims.
The report, prepared by Maud de Boer Buquicchio, former UN rapporteur on child exploitation, examined safeguarding efforts in specific regions. For example, it noted inadequate victim support services in Papua New Guinea and reluctance to address abuse directly in Cameroon due to cultural factors.
The report also critiqued the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s limited public disclosure of abuse statistics and raised concerns about the screening process for clergy candidates.
Led by Cardinal Sean O’Malley, a prominent advocate against clerical sexual abuse, the commission acknowledged some positive developments but called for continued efforts to enhance the church’s global safeguarding measures.
