Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to safeguarding, telling members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors that the prevention of abuse is “not an optional task” but a constitutive dimension of the Church’s mission.

Addressing the Commission during its Plenary Assembly in Rome on Monday 16 March, the Holy Father emphasised that safeguarding must be rooted in a genuine culture of care, where protecting minors and vulnerable adults is recognised as a natural expression of faith rather than an external obligation.

He highlighted the essential role of listening to victims and survivors, whose experiences “bring the truth to light” and guide the Church’s ongoing conversion.

The Pope also encouraged deeper cooperation across the Roman Curia, praised the Commission’s Annual Report as a vital exercise in truth and responsibility, and welcomed progress toward a Universal Guidelines Framework.

Every step forward in safeguarding, he said, is a step “towards a more evangelical and authentic Church.” 

Address of Pope Leo XIV

Safeguarding in the Archdiocese

Vatican News report