Pope Leo XIV Approves New Statutes for Minors' Commission
Pope Leo XIV has approved new Statutes for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, aimed at reinforcing the Church's commitment to safeguarding minors and vulnerable persons. The revised regulations repl…
Pope Leo XIV has approved new Statutes for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, aimed at reinforcing the Church's commitment to safeguarding minors and vulnerable persons. The revised regulations replace those established in 2015 and align the Commission's structure and mandate with the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium.
The new Statutes have been approved ad experimentum for a period of three years and were published on Saturday, 13 June 2026. A Rescript signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin confirms that the Holy Father approved the amended text during an audience on 20 May 2026, ordering its immediate implementation.
In a press release accompanying the publication of the Statutes, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors stated that the revised regulations were designed to enhance its role in promoting safeguarding practices throughout the universal Church. This forms part of a broader initiative to ensure that safeguarding is fully integrated into the life and structures of the Church. Archbishop Thibault Verny, President of the Commission, described the new Statutes as a significant step towards deepening the shared responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable members of society.
Moreover, the Statutes clarify the relationship between the Commission and other Dicasteries within the Roman Curia, solidifying its role in advocating for accountability, transparency, and effective safeguarding measures on a global scale. The Commission reports directly to the Pope, serving as an advisory body focused on protecting minors and vulnerable individuals from abuse. It collaborates closely with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, assisting in the exchange of information, the development of safeguarding methodologies, the preparation of the Annual Report, and formation programs.
Among the objectives outlined in the revised Statutes is the continued support for local Churches in establishing frameworks for safeguarding and promoting stable reporting systems, as well as listening centres that support victims and survivors while safeguarding their confidentiality. The Commission is also responsible for delivering an Annual Report on Church Policies and Procedures for Safeguarding, which synthesizes contributions from Dicasteries and local ecclesial bodies to provide a comprehensive overview of safeguarding efforts across the global Church.
Pope Leo XIV has consistently emphasized that protecting minors and vulnerable individuals is fundamental to the Church's mission. The revised Statutes reaffirm this commitment and underscore the Commission's mission to aid local Churches in strengthening safeguarding initiatives worldwide.
