杏MAP导航 sends letter to participants at safeguarding conference
By Kielce Gussie
About 25 countries across Europe have come together in Rome to participate in a conference dedicated to the Church鈥檚 ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable. From November 13 to 15, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors is hosting the 鈥淪afeguarding in the Catholic Church in Europe鈥� conference. Its goal: to further the work of the European Network on safeguarding that began in Warsaw, Poland in 2021.
A papal message of unity
To kick off the three-day conference, 杏MAP导航 Francis sent a letter to the participants praising the presence of these countries, even in the midst of war and conflict for some. He reminded them of their call to be peacemakers in the world and called their attendance 鈥渁n eloquent witness to unity and solidarity that transcends all borders.鈥�
The 杏MAP导航 expressed his hope that the conference will create a network of 鈥減eople and good practices鈥� geared at sharing information and supporting one another in their efforts to provide effective and sustainable programs. He encouraged the participants to create initiatives that 鈥減rovide comfort and assistance to those who have suffered, as a sign of the Church鈥檚 concern for justice, healing and reconciliation.鈥�
Differences can be source of healing
100 representatives, from bishops and priests to lay men and women, including victims and survivors, from 25 European countries have gathered in Rome for this conference. The conference officially began with a video message from Cardinal Seán O鈥橫alley, Archbishop of Boston and President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
The Cardinal highlighted the diversity of Europe, which 鈥渙ffers us the wisdom of cultures, languages, ethnicities, and religions.鈥� He expressed his hope that these differences can help 鈥渞epair the harm caused to children, now adults鈥� who suffered abuse in the Catholic Church. Stressing the importance of giving a voice to victims and survivors, Cardinal O鈥橫alley said 鈥渃hildren are central to our faith.鈥�
He underscored the need to lead with compassion, while also following 鈥渄ue process in investigating allegations.鈥�
An ongoing mission
In September 2021, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors held a safeguarding conference in Warsaw with the theme, 鈥淥ur Common Mission of Safeguarding God鈥檚 Children.鈥� The objective was to invite an exchange of experiences and establish a network with Church representatives to become better educated in safeguarding.
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