Following Pope Francis' audience with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in March 202, Cardinal Seán O’Malley, the Commission's President, says trust is necessary for the Church to succeed in evangelization.

Vatican News reports that Cardinal Seán O’Malley was reflecting upon the work of the Pontifical Commission in the past ten years.  Asked about criticisms of the Commission, he recognized that some people are impatient with the slow pace of the Church’s response to the crisis of abuse within the Church.

With regard specifically to the PCPM, the Cardinal said unrealistic expectations rooted in a misunderstanding of the Commission’s competence “have put us in the crosshairs.” He noted that the Commission was not established to deal with particular cases: “That was never our competence.”  Instead, the Commission was tasked with making recommendations and others on how to improve the Church’s response to sexual abuse.

Nonetheless, the Commission has worked to help victims by helping them get in touch with those who can help them. “Certainly, listening to the voice of victims is a very important part of what our mission is,” Cardinal O’Malley said.