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Rome Safeguarding Dialogues advance efforts to protect minors and end abuse
Rome Safeguarding Dialogues open a new chapter in collaboration for the protection of minors and vulnerable persons with the commitment to continued collaboration and concrete measures to strengthen protection across the Church.
Vatican News
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and representatives of Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA) concluded their first structured in-person dialogue in Rome on 15–16 June, marking a significant step in efforts to strengthen safeguarding measures, support victims and survivors, and promote accountability across the Church.
The two-day meeting, known as the “Rome Safeguarding Dialogues,” was held at Palazzo Maffei and brought together members of the Commission and victim-survivor advocates in a process centred on listening, collaboration, and concrete action.
The initiative was proposed by Pope Leo XIV following his meeting with the ECA Board in October 2025. Participants described the gathering as an opportunity to deepen cooperation and ensure that safeguarding policies remain firmly rooted in the lived experiences of those affected by abuse.
Listening to victims and survivors
Opening the meeting, Monsignor Thibault Verny, President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, reaffirmed the Church’s responsibility to listen attentively to victims and survivors. He stressed that such listening must lead to tangible outcomes if it is to be credible and effective.
Gemma Hickey, President of the ECA Board, highlighted the importance of approaching the discussions with curiosity, kindness, and hope, while emphasising the shared responsibility of protecting children and persons in situations of vulnerability within the Church.
Throughout the dialogue, participants examined issues related to victims’ rights, institutional responsibility, justice, and safeguarding standards. Discussions focused on how the experiences of victims and survivors can more effectively inform policy development, reporting mechanisms, and safeguarding practices, while fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
New statutes
The Commission also presented its newly promulgated statutes, outlining an enhanced framework for safeguarding within the Church. Participants were introduced to the methodology used in the Commission’s Annual Report, particularly its engagement with victims and survivors in assessing declared safeguarding practices in local Churches.
Among the topics discussed was the promotion of stronger legal and pastoral responses to abuse. ECA shared its advocacy efforts across multiple countries and reiterated its call for universal standards aimed at ensuring accountability and protection throughout the Church.
Broadening efforts and sharing commitment
Participants further reflected on the need to broaden safeguarding efforts beyond minors to include all persons in situations of vulnerability, including women religious, priests, seminarians, and members of lay movements. They also acknowledged the challenges posed by differing cultural contexts, uneven implementation of safeguarding measures, and resource limitations in some regions.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed to continue dialogue on safeguarding recommendations, strengthen collaboration in advocacy initiatives, expand engagement with victim and survivor communities, and address obstacles to implementation through ongoing communication and cooperation.
The gathering ended with a shared commitment to advancing victim- and survivor-centred approaches and to promoting practical measures aimed at building a safer Church worldwide.
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