Vatican News reports that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Luis Manuel Ali Herrera, Auxiliary Bishop of Bogota, as the new Secretary for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. At the same time, the Holy Father also appointed Ms Teresa Morris Kettelkamp as Adjunct Secretary of the Commission. Both have been serving as Members of the Commission.  The new appointments were announced on 15th March 2024 by the Holy See Press Office. 

In a statement following the announcement, Cardinal Seán O’Malley, the President of the Commission, said the new appointments mark “a further important step in making our Church an ever-safer place for children and vulnerable persons.”

Cardinal O’Malley said that, while “coming from different backgrounds and possessing unique gifts in safeguarding,” the new Secretary and Adjunct Secretary “share a common passion for the well-being of children and vulnerable people, with lifetimes of service to the Church” in this field. 

(Photo courtesy of Vatican News)