The Catholic Church is facing an urgent call to unify its policies regarding compensation for victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy, according to the inaugural report from the Vatican’s child protection commission.
For years, the institution has grappled with widespread scandals and disheartening revelations concerning sexual misconduct by its clergy members and the subsequent attempts to cover it up.
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors asserted, “Acknowledging and compensating victims is a tangible step toward their healing process,” and promised to collaborate on developing “consistent and comprehensive protocols for this purpose.”
The commission clarified that compensation is not strictly financial; it involves a broader array of actions. “This includes acknowledging failures, issuing public apologies, and providing genuine support to victims and their communities,” they emphasized.
A recent summit at the Vatican culminated in an official statement apologizing profusely for the suffering endured by those who fell victim to abuse in the Church.
Pope Francis’s commission highlighted the necessity of a more effective approach to removing priests who have faced multiple allegations of sexual abuse. The existence of repeat offenders underscores the urgent need for a clear “disciplinary or administrative” process that facilitates a swift and effective means for resignation or dismissal from ministry.
During a visit to Belgium in September, Pope Francis encountered strong backlash regarding clergy abuse. King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo both demanded more decisive actions on behalf of victims during the pontiff’s trip.
A conclave of global bishops concluded just recently, issuing a final document that contained several apologies for the “unfathomable and persistent” anguish experienced by Catholics who were abused.
The report also advocated for enhanced transparency, suggesting that victims be granted better access to documents relating to their cases, a more distinct division of responsibilities among Vatican departments addressing abuse, and more vigorous penalties for offenders.
It acknowledged that the historically “inadequate actions” or inaction by church authorities have contributed to further harm suffered by survivors, highlighting the pressing requirement for “disciplinary or administrative processes that ensure timely resignation or removal from office.”
Founded by Pope Francis in 2014, the Vatican’s anti-abuse commission was a groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind.
Yet, the commission has witnessed considerable criticism from survivors of abuse, who argue that it has failed to implement robust reforms necessary to safeguard children.
Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of the U.S. organization Bishop Accountability—which tracks abuse within the Church—told AFP earlier this year, “The global church must enforce an unequivocal zero tolerance policy regarding sexual violence by clergy.”
Doyle insisted that the Catholic Church must publicly identify convicted priests and maintain that “any cleric found guilty of abusing a child or vulnerable adult, or credibly accused of such behavior, should be permanently dismissed from public ministry.”
Despite his efforts, Doyle asserted, “Pope Francis has exhibited a profound aversion to transparency.”
Maud de Boer Buquicchio, a Dutch attorney and former UN special rapporteur on child exploitation, who chaired the commission’s report, expressed optimism that it might foster “a transformative shift in the Church that champions accountability and openness.”
She stated, “Our investigation allowed us to scrutinize many of the pressing concerns regarding insufficient data.”
Commission members, who are directly appointed by Pope Francis, come from varied backgrounds in safeguarding, including clinical psychology, legal expertise, and human rights advocacy.
However, the commission has experienced setbacks, with two members representing abuse survivors resigning in 2017. Additionally, in the past year, influential German Jesuit priest Hans Zollner stepped down, citing systemic and practical issues.
Francesco Zanardi, founder of the Italian advocacy group Rete L’Abuso (The Abuse Network), declared to AFP in 2023 that the commission is “completely ineffective.”
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
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