The PCPM concludes Plenary Assembly with renewed commitment

(Vatican Radio) The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors concluded its 4-day Plenary Assembly on Sunday,  with a renewed commitment to its mandate as an advisory body to the Holy Father for the protection of minors.

In a statement released by the PCPM members voiced their gratitude for the encouragement expressed by Pope Francis during a private audience on Thursday September 21. 

“The PCPM welcomes the Holy Father’s strong words in support of ‘Zero Tolerance’ of abuse in the Church and above all his invitation to the Commission to continue on the journey of enculturation of safeguarding practices within the Church worldwide and in the Holy See” the statement reads.

It also revealed that during the meeting the members focused on three key areas: “ensuring that the voice of people who have been abused informs the work of the Commission, guidelines for the protection of children, adolescents and vulnerable adults in local churches and programs of education and formation for safeguarding”.

Established in 2014 and headed by Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the PCPM has 15 active members drawn from all 6 continents. The Commission’s specific task is to propose to the Holy Father the most opportune initiatives for protecting minors and vulnerable adults and to promote local responsibility in the particular Churches; uniting their efforts to those of the Holy See, for the protection of all children and vulnerable adults.