Commission Opens First International Workshop on Religious Life: “Building Communities that Safeguard Dignity”

Vatican City – Religious life and the challenge of building communities that safeguard the dignity of consecrated women and men and those they serve is the focus of a first ever three day international workshop, organised by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors with the support of key Vatican Dicasteries.

Commission Launches Second Annual Report

The Commission published its Second Annual Report, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to placing victims and survivors of abuse at the centre of its safeguarding mission and expanding the evidence base that guides reform. 

Commission Concludes Autumn Plenary Assembly in Krakow

KRAKOW — The Commission concluded its Autumn Plenary Assembly on Friday after five days of “intensive dialogue, reflection, and strategic planning.” 

Archbishop Verny in Krakow: The stakes are high for all in Safeguarding mission

The President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors opened the Autumn Plenary Assembly in Krakow, Poland on Tuesday September 30, with a clarion call for church leaders to redouble their commitment to every aspect of safeguarding

President Verny Presents Commission’s Second Annual Report to Pope Leo XIV

Archbishop Thibault Verny was received in audience by Pope Leo XIV on Friday September 12th, marking the first official meeting between the President of the Commission and the Holy Father, following his appointment on July 15.

Archbishop Verny Named New President of the Commission

Archbishop Thibault Verny of Chambéry, France, has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the new President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, succeeding Cardinal Seán O’Malley, OFM Cap., who has led the Commission since its foundation in 2014. 

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We wish to thank all participants in the 2025 “Initiativa de Hermanas Católicas”, convened from 29 to 31 October, for their presence and commitment.
 
The meeting, supported by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, brought together representatives from the Commission, religious congregations and Catholic-sister organisations, philanthropic foundations and civil-society partners to share experiences, strengthen solidarity, and renew a common vision rooted in human dignity and care for the most vulnerable.
 
Your testimonies, friendship and determination are vital for building helping communities grounded in compassion, responsibility and hope.
 
#TutelaMinorum #ChildProtection #Transparency #Safeguarding #ChurchReform

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“We are more united than divided in our commitment to safeguarding.”

With these words, Regional Moderator Teresa Devlin sets the tone for the new European Webinar Series launching on 3 December. The first session will focus on Governance and Independence, bringing together voices from across Europe to strengthen shared safeguarding practice.

Keynote speaker Marie Derain de Vaucresson will be joined by Mons. Thibault Verny, Dr Andreas Zimmer and Mia De Schamphelaere. Their contributions will help shape the forthcoming European Safeguarding Toolkit, a practical resource for dioceses and congregations.

Registrations are open until 28 November.

Read more at tutelaminorum.org

#TutelaMinorum #ChildProtection #Safeguarding #ChurchReform #InsideSafeguarding #Europe #Governance #Independence

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During the workshop, participants shared what safeguarding truly means within religious life: trust, safety, dignity, listening, and giving a voice to those on the margins.
Their reflections reveal a common desire—to bring every person from the edges back into the center through respect, fraternity, and compassionate community living.

Safeguarding is not just a policy; it is a way of relating, accompanying, and honoring the image of God in every person.
A collective message that continues to inspire beyond the event.

#Safeguarding #Dignity #Listening #CommunityLife #Protection #ReligiousLife

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The moment has passed, but Teresa Kettelkamp’s call remains essential.
She spoke firmly about leadership, accountability, and the truth that safeguarding can never be optional. Culture must never excuse harm, and our commitment to protection must be constant.

Words that continue to guide us as we move forward in the lifelong mission of safeguarding.

#Safeguarding #Accountability #SafeChurch #Leadership #Protection #TutelaMinorum

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The opening session may have already passed, but Msgr. Thibault Verny’s words still carry weight.
He reminded us that safeguarding begins with humility, listening, and shared responsibility. Not as an administrative task, but as the foundation of credible witness and healthy communities.

A message worth remembering as we continue building communities that protect the dignity of every person.

#Safeguarding #ReligiousLife #HumanDignity #SafeChurch #ConsecratedLife #TutelaMinorum

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Although the opening session is already behind us, the words of Msgr. Ali Herrera continue to guide the path forward.
He invited us to recognize the treasure of safeguarding, to honestly confront what is still missing, and to face the challenges of consecrated life with courage and hope.

A message worth remembering as we continue building a true culture of care.

#SafeChurch #ConsecratedLife #TutelaMinorum #CultureOfCare #Protection #HumanDignity

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When spiritual authority is used to control, silence, or harm, something sacred is broken.
On Day 3 of the International Workshop on Religious Life: Building Communities that Safeguard Dignity, we heard a clear and necessary call:

🌑 Break the culture of silence
✨ Restore the dignity of every person
🤝 Transform our structures, language, and community life toward responsibility and transparency
🕊️ Protect the treasure of consecrated life with truth and humility

This path demands conversion, listening, and courage.
The invitation is unmistakable: keep moving forward and build communities that protect.

#Safeguarding #ConsecratedLife #HumanDignity #Protection #SafeChurch #TutelaMinorum

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