Pope Leo XIV Approves New Statutes for the Protection of Minors which Prioritizes "victim- and survivor-informed approaches"


Pope Leo XIV Approves New Statutes for Child Protection Commission

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has officially approved updated Statutes for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, replacing the previous 2015 framework. Effective immediately, the revised statutes align the Commission with the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium and have been approved ad experimentum for a three-year period.

According to a Rescript signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Holy Father finalized the text during a May 20 audience, leading to its publication on June 13, 2026.

Strengthening Global Accountability The revised text is designed to deeply integrate safeguarding practices into the core structures of the Catholic Church. While the Commission does not hold governing power, it reports directly to the Pope and advises him on protecting minors and vulnerable adults. It operates alongside the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), collaborating on information sharing, training programs, and the preparation of an Annual Report.

Archbishop Thibault Verny, President of the Commission, noted that the updates are a direct result of listening to survivors, safeguarding experts, and local dioceses. "They reflect a deepening of our shared responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable," Verny said.

Key Update: Vatican Renews Mandate for the Protection of Minors Commission

Pope Leo XIV has approved a new structural and operational framework for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Published on June 13, 2026, these updated Statutes replace the 2015 rules and are enacted for a three-year trial period (ad experimentum).

Core Changes & Objectives:

  • Alignment with Curia Reforms: Brings the Commission’s mandate in line with the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium, clarifying its relationship with other Vatican offices.

  • DDF Collaboration: The Commission will work closely with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on joint training, methodology, and data exchange.

  • Survivor-Centric & Local Focus: Prioritizes victim-informed strategies and supports local churches in establishing confidential reporting mechanisms and listening centers.

  • Global Accountability: The Commission remains responsible for compiling the Annual Report on Church Policies and Procedures for Safeguarding to track progress and identify systemic vulnerabilities worldwide.

"The new statutes reaffirm that safeguarding remains a central priority and mark an important step in our shared responsibility to protect the vulnerable." — Archbishop Thibault Verny, Commission President

Source - https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-06/pope-approves-new-statutes-commission-protection-minors.html 

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