By Sarah Mac Donald - 07 December, 2016
A new website which will provide information on the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors [PCPM] has been unveiled in English and will shortly add Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese versions.
The website – www.protectionofminors.va – provides resources across four categories: ‘Healing and Care’, ‘Guidelines’, ‘Education’, and the ‘Day of Prayer [for the Victims and Survivors of Sexual Abuse]’.
It has included a template for local guidelines on preventing sexual abuse and provides news and information about the Commission’s mission.
Pope Francis formally appointed the first eight members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors on 22 March 2014, following a recommendation from the Council of Cardinals. The president of the PCPM is Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston.
The eight include Irish survivor of clerical abuse, Marie Collins.
The Commission’s task is to advise the Pontiff on effective policies for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults.
According to Crux news, for over a year the members of the Commission have been working in small groups, focusing on different aspects related to the protection of minors and young adults from sexual abuse.
These include:
Healing and care for victim/survivors and their families.
Comprehensive guidelines in local Churches.
Education of Church leadership and ecclesial communities.
Initial and ongoing formation for clergy and religious in the protection of minors.
Theology and spirituality.
Canonical and civil norms governing the protection of minors.
The website was announced by the Vatican on 6 December, coinciding with the feast of St Nicholas, patron of children.
