Pope Leo approves revised statutes for Vatican child protection commission

Pope Leo XIV has approved new statutes for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, reinforcing the Church's commitment to safeguarding minors and vulnerable persons worldwide.

According to Vatican News, the revised statutes were published June 13 and update the mission of the commission, a Vatican body that advises the pope on the protection of minors and vulnerable persons from abuse. The statutes replace those promulgated in 2015 and align the commission's structure and mandate with Praedicate Evangelium, the apostolic constitution governing the Roman Curia. 

“These Statutes mark an important step in deepening our shared responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable,” said Archbishop Thibault Verny, president of the commission. “They reflect listening — to victims/survivors, to safeguarding experts, and to the experience of local Churches — and reaffirm that safeguarding remains a central priority.”

Approved for a three-year trial period, the statutes strengthen the commission's efforts to promote safeguarding throughout the Church, encourage greater accountability and transparency, and clarify how it collaborates with other Vatican dicasteries, Vatican News reported.

The commission reports directly to the pope and assists local churches in developing safeguarding frameworks, reporting systems, and support services for abuse survivors. It is also responsible for preparing an annual report examining safeguarding policies and procedures throughout the global Church.