Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Thibault Verny to lead the Vatican's child protection advisory commission, marking a commitment to addressing clergy sexual abuse. Verny replaces Cardinal Sean O'Malley, the founding president of the commission established by Pope Francis in 2014. The commission faced challenges during the abuse scandal under Francis' leadership, including a lack of influence and failure to establish a tribunal for bishops. However, through reforms and new members, it has become a vital resource for victims and bishops seeking to improve church abuse guidelines.
Pope Leo XIV signaled commitment to continuing the fight against clergy sexual abuse by appointing France's Bishop Thibault Verny to head the Vatican's child protection advisory commission. Verny, 59, replaces American Cardinal Sean O'Malley, the retired archbishop of Boston, who was the founding president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. This commission was established by Pope Francis in 2014 to advise the church on best practices to fight abuse and protect children.
The commission initially lost influence as the abuse scandal spread globally during Francis' 12-year pontificate. Its crowning recommendation for the creation of a tribunal to judge bishops who covered up for predator priests went nowhere.
After many years of reform and new members, it has become a place where victims can go to be heard and bishops can get advice on crafting guidelines to fight abuse.
Verny, who is currently the bishop of Chambery, France, has been a member of the commission since 2022 and heads the child protection council of the bishops conference in France.
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