From November 13-15, 2024, Rome hosted the European Conference onSafeguarding in the Catholic Church, organized by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. This event brought together a hundred experts, religious leaders, lay people and victims of abuse from 25 European countries, with the aim of strengthening the European Safeguarding Network established after the Warsaw conference in 2021.
A space to share experiences and build networks
Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley, President of the Pontifical Commission, opened the Conference with words of welcome and commitment to all participants. During the three days of reflection and work, attendees discussed best practices, prevention policies and strategies to eradicate abuse. Topics such as the compatibility between canon law and local criminal laws, the rights of minors and the challenges of transitional justice were addressed. Monsignor Luis Manuel Alí Herrera, Secretary of the Commission, emphasized the importance of “concrete actions” and stressed that, beyond words, the Church must weave solid networks of good that protect the most vulnerable.
Diverse approaches: keynote presentations and case studies
The Conference program offered a broad and in-depth view on safeguarding, with presentations and panels led by experts in various areas. Notable presentations included:
Compatibility between Canon Law and Local Criminal LawLaurent Devolvé and Jan Dohnalik explored the tensions and possibilities between church law and state regulations, with special attention to confidentiality and transitional justice processes.
History and evolution of safeguarding policies in Ireland.Aidan Gordon reviewed the initial steps taken by the Irish Church in dealing with abuse, the structural changes in its policies and the future prospects for transitional justice.
Repara Project of the Archdiocese of MadridJosé Antonio Satué presented this initiative for the care of victims and prevention of abuse, highlighting its comprehensive approach and its ability to adapt to different contexts.
Progress in Germany and the Belgian approachStephanie Becker-Berke and Mia De Schamphelaere shared experiences on the creation of support networks for victims and innovative strategies for healing and recognition.
Annual Report of the Pontifical CommissionMaud De Boer-Buquicchio gave a detailed analysis of the current state of protection policies in the Church, highlighting progress and remaining challenges.
Dialogue with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: John Joseph Kennedy, Irish Catholic Archbishop and Secretary for Discipline in the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, held a dialogue with the participants on procedures and new situations that are arising, some of them very complex, such as cases of abuse of conscience and false mysticism.
Proactive strategy in Bosnia and HerzegovinaAntonio Topalović and Šimo Maršić presented the case of the John Paul II Youth Center, a model of prevention and awareness raising that involves young people in building a culture of care.
Memorare InitiativeIrma Patricia Espinosa Hernández described this project focused on local training and the creation of care centers in the Global South, a practical response to emerging needs in more vulnerable regions.
The Order of Augustinian Recollects stands out for its commitment and the path it has followed
During the Conference, the Order of Augustinian Recollects presented the work it has developed during the last decade in the prevention of abuse, including face-to-face and online formation programs. Antonio Carrón de la Torre, general councilor of the Order and president of its Commission for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults. Both the development and the initiatives, training plans and evaluations carried out were very well received, arousing interest in the materials and strategies implemented, which have become a model for other congregations to follow.
Towards a safer Church
The central message of the conference revolved around creating a culture of care and protection in the Church. “Children are at the center of our faith; we must give them a voice and listen to their needs,” Cardinal O’Malley reminded. He concluded by reaffirming the Church’s commitment to act with strong leadership to prevent future abuse.
The European Safeguarding Conference not only consolidated the European Network, but also reaffirmed the commitment of individual Churches and religious orders to protect the most vulnerable, marking a significant step towards a safer and more accountable Church. With inspiring presentations, constructive debates and spaces for sharing experiences, this event reaffirmed the importance of a unified and continuous response to the challenges of safeguarding.