Bookings are still being taken for this year's National Safeguarding Conference which will take place on Saturday 18th November in the University of Strathclyde's Technology & Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, GLASGOW G1 1RD.

This year's conference is designed as an in-person event in order to encourage networking and facilitate rich discussion among clergy, religious, PSCs and all who have Safeguarding responsibilities in Catholic parishes, religious communities and lay organisations in Scotland.

With the theme 'One chance to change a life', it will provide expert input, practical discussion and take-away resources on trauma-informed responses to disclosures of abuse. 

To make it as accessible as possible,  the subsidised registration fee has been set at only £25.  You should BOOK NOW while places are available.  

NB Bookings will close on 31st October 2023.

CLICK on the image to go to the Registration page.

The 2023 National Safeguarding Conference will take place on Saturday 18th November in the University of Strathclyde's Technology & Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, GLASGOW G1 1RD.

This year's Conference - with the theme 'One chance to change a life' - will provide expert input, practical discussion and take-away resources on trauma-informed responses to disclosures of abuse.  It has been designed to be of interest to: clergy, religious, PSCs and all who have Safeguarding responsibilities in Catholic parishes, religious communities and lay organisations in Scotland.

The conference is designed as an in-person event in order to encourage networking and facilitate rich discussion on the range of scenarios to be presented.  With the subsidised Conference Fee set at only £25, you should BOOK NOW while places are available.

CLICK on the image to go to the Registration page.

The May 2023 issue of our newsletter provides news of the following:

- recent developments in the work of the SCSSA

- recent appointments to the SCSSA Board

- some headline findings from the 2022 Safeguarding Audit

- developments in national Safeguarding training.

Click here to read.

The Annual Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse in the Catholic Church in Scotland takes place on the first Friday after Ash Wednesday every year; this year, on Friday, 24th February. The Scottish National Liturgical Commission have prepared resources for use by parishes. The resources can be used as a holy hour style service; alternatively, parts of the resources may be used at Mass on 24th February, or prayers and readings may be used for a specific service such as Stations of the Cross. The resources can be accessed by clicking on this link: 2023 Day of Prayer for Survivors

The December 2022 issue of the Safeguarding Matters newsletter provides details of the annual Safeguarding audit exercise for 2022, including:

- how the audit should help to improve Safeguarding

- key dates for completing the audit in faith communities

- steps on the road to completing the audit

- tips for working with the audit form

- other Safeguarding news.

Click here to read.

The new Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency is developing a forum for young Catholic adults. This forum will in the first instance look at the current safeguarding training and resources for people in youth ministries, discuss ideas which have been proposed for development, and ultimately create a comprehensive package of training and resources for ministries involving young people. We will be joined at some online meetings by experts on particular aspects of Church teaching such as Theology of the Body and Catholic Social Teaching, to ensure all work created is informed by our faith and in line with our safeguarding instruction ‘In God’s Image’, which can be downloaded here.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 25 and would be interested in joining this forum, or would like to know more, please contact Helena Rameckers by emailing training@scssa.org.uk or phoning 07394 862 279 by Friday, 9th December. Please note that we also have a small number of spaces on the forum for older adults experienced in youth ministry!

The October 2022 issue of the Safeguarding Matters newsletter features reports of the 2022 National Safeguarding Conference, including:

- Lady Rae's introductory remarks on launching the work of the SCSSA

- feedback on the breakout discussions on aspects of the SCSSA's priorities

- links to a Conference Evaluation report

- news of Safeguarding developments in Scotland and elsewhere.

Click here to read.

The final report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) was published on 12th October 2022. Click here to find the report.

Our National Safeguarding Conference, addressing the theme ‘Walking together in Safeguarding: a journey of personal and communal conversion’, took place on Saturday 1st October in the University of Strathclyde's Technology & Innovation Centre in Glasgow.  The 2022 Conference provided an excellent opportunity for all those responsible for Safeguarding in the Catholic Church in Scotland to gather together and to ‘refresh’ their understanding of, and commitment to, safeguarding.  Moreover, it was the ideal platform for the launch of the new Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency, allowing participants to talk with Lady Rae and the SCSSA Board members and staff about their plans for the agency.  The Conference also featured contributions from Fr Hans Zollner SJ, an internationally renowned expert on sexual abuse in the Catholic Church and Dani Wardman, CEO of the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) for England & Wales.  The Conference programme was hosted by SCSSA staff Paul Donaldson and Helena Rameckers.  162 participants were registered to attend in person and 154 were registered to participants online.

VIDEOS of the main inputs to the Conference and related materials can be found here on this website. 

On 19th September 2022, The Hon. Lady Rae KC, together with her fellow non-executive Directors on the Board of the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency, meet in formal session for the first time with SCSSA staff  Paul Donaldson, Director of Safeguarding, and Helena Rameckers, Head of Safeguarding Training.

Pictured R to L: Lady Rita Rae (Chair), Pat O'Meara (Vice Chair), Clare McDade, Greg Gallagher, Marie Connell, Pauline McDonald, Paul Donaldson, Helena Rameckers.

The June 2022 issue of the Safeguarding Matters newsletter

- introduces the new SCSSA staff - Paul Donaldson as Director of Safeguarding and Helena Rameckers as Head of Safeguarding Training

- reports on how the SCSSA has commenced its work - training Board Directors and setting the agency's priorities

- provides links to reports on independent audits of safeguarding practice in the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the Diocese of Dunkeld

- provides details of the National Safeguarding Conference that will take place on 1^st October 2022.

Lady Rita Rae, Chair of the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA), has announced the appointment of two professional officers to lead the work of the new agency.  Lady Rae said, “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit two colleagues of such high calibre who will bring their skills, experience and commitment to the work of our agency.  Together with my fellow Directors on the SCSSA Board, I look forward to working with them to provide oversight of the Safeguarding policy and practice in all areas of the Catholic Church in Scotland.”

• Mr Paul Donaldson is appointed as Director of Safeguarding, responsible for strategic leadership and management of the agency.  Paul is a former Detective Superintendent with Police Scotland and currently works with the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO).
• Mrs Helena Rameckers is appointed as Head of Safeguarding Training, responsible for developing training resources to enhance the knowledge and skills of all who are responsible for safeguarding in the Church.  Helena currently works as Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser in the Diocese of Galloway.

The April 2022 issue of the Safeguarding Matters newsletter

- introduces the members of the SCSSA Board

- advertises vacancies in the agency for a Director of Safeguarding and a Head of Safeguarding Training

- announces details of the National Safeguarding Conference that will take place on 1^st October 2022.

Click here to read this issue.

The Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency is being established to provide independent assurance that Church bodies are complying with national safeguarding standards. 

The SCSSA Board are seeking candidates of the highest calibre to take on these challenging roles, to make their mark on the work of the agency and to have a positive impact on safeguarding practice across Church jurisdictions in Scotland.  If you have the necessary expertise, experience and, above all, the passion for ensuring that children and vulnerable adults will be safeguarded, please consider applying for these posts.  Full details of both posts can be found here:  

https://www.scsafeguarding.org.uk/News/Vacancies

The Honourable Lady Rae has selected the undernoted individuals to serve as directors of the Scotttish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA). 

Commenting on these appointments, Lady Rae stated: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of these individuals who will become my valued colleagues in shaping the work of the new Safeguarding Standards Agency. I look forward to having the benefit of their expertise and advice as we commence the task of establishing this agency which will have the role of assuring safeguarding compliance in the Catholic Church in Scotland.  These directors will shortly assist me to appoint a Director of Safeguarding and a Head of Training who will work with others to ensure compliance with the highest standards of safeguarding.”

Lady Rae continued: “Throughout the recruitment process, I was greatly impressed by the calibre of many who came forward to offer their services.  It was not easy to settle on a final choice from the excellent candidates who applied.  I wish to thank the recruitment agency Aspen People for the quality of the professional service they provided throughout.”  

Clare Burns - solicitor; former Reporter to the Children’s Panel

Marie Connell - former Detective Inspector, Police Scotland

Greg Gallagher - former Senior Manager, Head of Service and Director of Children’s Services in the Third Sector and in Local Government Social Work Services

Pauline McDonald - Head of Health, Safety & Compliance, ENABLE Scotland

Patrick O’Meara - former strategic commander, Scottish Ambulance Service; Chief Medical Support Officer to the UK Army Cadets

The March 2022 issue of the Safeguarding Matters newsletter recalls the suffering of all who have experienced abuse and invites prayers for them.  It quotes Archbishop William Nolan who, on being installed as Archbishop of Glasgow, apologised for the harm done to victims/survivors: "We have to reach out to the victims and try to help them and we have to change our ways to ensure that what happened in the past does not happen again.”  It highlights some of the key learning points to have emerged from the Church's 2021 Safeguarding Audit of all parishes, dioceses, religious congregations and lay organisations. Finally, it provides an update on progress with Lady Rae's work in establishing the new Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA).  

Click HERE to read this newsletter.

The January 2022 issue of the Safeguarding Matters newsletter leads on this message from Lady Rita Rae as she takes up her role as Board Chair of the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA):  "I intend to ensure that the SCSSA will operate entirely independently of the Catholic Church, with its own staff and non-executive directors who will maintain regular contact with dioceses and religious communities. I earnestly wish to rebuild confidence and trust, especially among those who have experienced abuse. I look forward to recruiting fellow Board members who will bring rigour, independence and expertise to the work of the agency.  I believe that we must provide a forum in which people who have experienced abuse in the Church can bring their own perspectives to inform the development of the Church’s safeguarding policy and practice. I am determined that we will listen to and learn from them.”

CLICK HERE to read about what the agency will do, who it will work with and how it will be governed.

The Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency is new body which is being established to function independently of the Catholic Church to oversee its safeguarding practice in parishes, dioceses, religious congregations and organisations across Scotland.  The Hon. Lady Rae, Chai of the new agency, is looking to appoint Board Directors who will work with her to rebuild confidence and trust, especially among those who have experienced abuse.  They will help her to appoint a new Director of Safeguarding and a Head of Training whose expertise will be vital in providing leadership in safeguarding at a national level.  Board Directors will be required to bring their own expertise and experience to the task of developing the agency’s policies and procedures that will build on improvements made in recent years, in the light of various external reviews of safeguarding.  

This is an exciting opportunity for people who wish to assist the Catholic Church’s safeguarding personnel – clergy, religious, employees, and volunteers – to ensure compliance with the standards that have been designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse or harm.  CLICK HERE to find out more about the role of Board Directors.

The Catholic Church in Scotland has appointed The Hon Lady Rita Rae QC as the first Board Chair of the new Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA) that will be established as a private company.  The SCSSA will operate entirely independently of the Catholic Church, with its own staff and non-executive directors who will work in close collaboration with dioceses and religious communities to ensure that they are meeting safeguarding standards.  Crucially, it will develop a forum in which those who have experienced abuse can contribute their own perspectives to the development of the Church’s safeguarding practice.

Lady Rita Rae said, “I am honoured to undertake this role as the first Chair of the SCSSA.  I recognise that, in establishing this independent agency, the Catholic Church in Scotland is taking another bold step to ensure that its safeguarding practice will meet the highest standards.  I intend to ensure that the agency will operate with independence and that it will seek to rebuild confidence and trust, especially among those who have experienced abuse.  I look forward to recruiting fellow Board members who will bring rigour, independence and expertise to support the work of the agency."

The December 2021 issue features the announcement that former Judge Lady Rita Rae has been appointed to Chair the Board of the new Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA) that is being established as a private company operating independently of the Church.  It also tells of how views expressed in an online poll are helping to inform the planning of the new agency's work.  Finally, the newsletter describes how the annual Safeguarding Audit process works and gives advice to parishes, religious congregtions and organisations how to prepare to complete the audit.  Click HERE to read this newsletter.

The November 2021 issue features the announcement that a new Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA) will be established as a private company operating independently of the Church.  It also tells of the recent Safeguarding WEBINAR "Growing our Culture of Care", attended by 400 people from across Scotland.  Some positive evaluations of the webinar are featured, with answers to some of the questions that were raised by participants and not answered on the day.  Finally, a link is given to the 3rd annual report of the Independent Review Group. 

Click here to read this newsletter.

The third Annual Report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) monitoring the implementation of the recommendations of the McLellan Report by the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland was published on 5th October 2021. Click here to find the report.

Following the announcement that the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA) woud be established as a private company, operating independently of the Catholic Church in Scotland, an online poll was launched in November 2021.  It invited views on how this agency should be developed - its objectives and priorities, who it should work with, the qualities and experiences of its Board members.   This was the first of a number of online polls that will be used to invite comments on the new agency.  You can click here to view a report on Poll I.

This is the second in a series of newsletters that provide information about safeguarding in the Catholic Church in Scotland.

The September 2021 issue - ' Looking forward with hope' - features on the publication of IN GOD'S IMAGE version2 which sets out the national safeguarding standards for all Catholic parishes, dioceses, religious congregations and organisations in Scotland. 

It reflects on the experience of external scrutiny of the Church's safeguarding practice as well as developments in Safe Recruitment necessitated by changes in legislation.

Click here to read this newsletter.

IN GOD'S IMAGE version 2 (IGIv2) has emerged from a 9-month period of consultation, reflection and discussion among many who have direct experience and expertise in the front line of the Church’s safeguarding practice. Significantly, this experience includes responding to the hurt and anguish of those who have suffered abuse at the hands of clergy, religious and others working within the Catholic Church.    IGIv2 makes reference to key statements made by Pope Francis and to instructions and norms published by the Holy See in recent years. It also takes into account evolving changes to the PVG scheme in Scotland. The work of the Independent Review Group and recommendations from independent audits of safeguarding in Scottish dioceses have also had a bearing on this revised version.  The final text of IGIv2 was ratified unanimously by the Bishops of Scotland at an online meeting held on Tuesday 6th July 2021.   It comes into effect on 8th September 2021. It can be read online here: https://www.bcos.org.uk/InGodsImageV2/

The report of an independent audit of safeguarding in the Diocese of Motherwell, carried out by the Social Care Institute for Excellence, was published on 19th July 2021.

Click on the report cover to read the contents.

IICSA research provides insight into the behaviour of perpetrators across contemporary institutional contexts, finding the use of similar tactics to groom and sexually abuse children. 

Key findings include:

• - In many cases, individuals denied the allegations or constructed a mitigation narrative to justify, explain or minimise the child sexual abuse. This included framing sexually abusive relationships as consensual and romantic, or putting the blame on the child. 
• - Some alleged perpetrators claimed that they had made “mistakes” or “poor judgements” whilst others disputed that they held ‘positions of trust’, therefore safeguarding policies did not apply to them, and had therefore not been breached.
• - There were examples where the institutions did not believe children’s disclosures, in particular in cases where alleged perpetrators denied the allegations against them. 
• - In some cases, it was clear that institutions chose to preserve the alleged perpetrator’s reputation and their own, above protecting children who reported child sexual abuse.
• - There were numerous missed opportunities to safeguard children because concerns were not escalated and institutions and staff did not always share, record and respond appropriately. 
• - A lack of coordination with agencies, weak vetting processes and poor record keeping allowed individuals to offend multiple times within institutions, or to continue offending across institutional contexts and over long periods of time.

The report of an independent audit of safeguarding in the Diocese of Aberdeen, carried out by the Social Care Institute for Excellence, was published on 25th June 2021.

Click on the report cover to read the contents.

This is the first in a series of newsletters that will provide information and advice about specific safeguarding in the Catholic Church in Scotland.

The June 2021 issue tells about progress with the revision of IN GOD'S IMAGE, the publication that sets out the national safeguarding standards for all Catholic parishes, dioceses, religious congregations and organisations in Scotland. It also reveals that a new Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA) will be established in the coming months.

Click here to read this newsletter.

In the context of the extraordinary consequences of the COVD-19 pandemic in 2020, the Bishops of Scotland are conscious that Church services have been impaired since March 2020.  While parish meetings and training events have been significantly curtailed, the work of the Clergy, Safeguarding employees and volunteers has been sustained at national, diocesan and religious congregation levels.   In these circumstances, it has been deemed prudent to reflect this COVID-19 context in the design of an ‘extraordinary’ Safeguarding Audit 2020 that will include consideration of any particular issues and concerns that have arisen as a result of the pandemic.  Details to follow.

Tina Campbell, the National Safeguarding Co-ordinator for the Catholic Church in Scotland, has recently been appointed assistant co-ordinator of the Promotion of a Consistent Culture of Protection, a project funded by the Society of Jesus, following her successful application for this global post. This change will take effect from 31^st December 2020. The Bishops congratulate Tina on this prestigious appointment and wish her every happiness and success in this new post. They thank her for her service to the Church at a national level over the last seven years when much has been achieved to improve the Church's Safeguarding approach. We are sure that she will continue this work at a global level. Prior to Tina's announcement, the Bishops' Conference of Scotland had launched a review of all its offices, commissions and agencies, including the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service. Pending the conclusion of this review, interim arrangements have been made to ensure that there will be adequate support for the work of all Church personnel who manage Safeguarding across Dioceses, Religious Congregations and Catholic organisations. The Bishops of Scotland look forward to continue building on the effective contribution of Tina Campbell and renew their commitment to the importance of Safeguarding in the Catholic Church. (2nd December 2020)

Safeguarding in a pandemic: how virtual lives create even more challenges for the Church

Saturday 14th November 11:30-13:30

This Webinar, organised by the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service, will focus on safeguarding and online risks in the pandemic both internationally and locally in Scotland.  Click here for more details.

To book, go to :https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qcO2uqjsrGNIA0sI4BgEGz0d6R6crLtVZ

The Catholic Bishops of Scotland wish to invite all interested parties to suggest any necessary changes to the text of 'IN GOD'S IMAGE' (first edition published in March 2018) in order to inform the text of the second edition which will be published in June 2021.  The Bishops will welcome all constructive suggestions that will lead to improved practice in Safeguarding across Catholic parishes, dioceses, religious congregations, institutes and organisations in Scotland.  In particular, the Bishops invite anyone who has suffered abuse to offer their perspective so that they can plan to ensure appropriate and sensitive responses to all allegations and concerns.  To find out how to provide comments on 'IN GOD'S IMAGE' before 30th November 2020, click here.

The second Annual Report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) monitoring the implementation of the recommendations of the McLellan Report by the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland was published on 26th June 2020. Click here to find the report.

In his Apostolic Letter 'Vos Esits Lux Mundi' (7th May 2019), Pope Francis decrees certain elements of substantive law and procedural law affecting the responsibilities of, and obligations on, bishops, clergy, religious when reporting or investigating with “the crimes of sexual abuse”.

The Bishops of Scotland have published an appendix to 'In God's Image' to take account of the Holy Father's decrees.   When a revised version of 'In God's Image' is published, these will be incorporated into the text.

CLICK HERE to see Appendix 4 to 'In God's Image'.

23 April 2020

The Independent Review Group, set up by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland to monitor the implementation of the McLellan Commission on Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, has published an update on its continuing work during the Covid-19 crisis.

28th February 2020

Pope Francis has established a task force “in order to assist the Episcopal Conferences in the preparation and updating of guidelines for the protection of minors”.  The task force will assist Episcopal Conferences, as well as Religious Institutes and Societies of Apostolic Life, in preparing and updating guidelines for the protection of minors, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and current canonical legislation, especially the motu proprio 'Vos Estis Lux Mundi'. The task force’s mandate will last for two years, beginning 24 February 2020.

17th December 2019

Two documents are destined to make a lasting mark: Pope Francis has abolished the pontifical secret in the case of sexual violence and the abuse of minors committed by members of the clergy. He has also decided to change the norm regarding the crime of child pornography by making the possession and dissemination of pornographic images of children under the age of 18 which fall under the category of delicta graviora – the most grave delicts.

READ MORE DETAILS HERE

CLICK here for details of the 2019 Safeguarding Audit

CLICK here to access the SCAI Autumn 2019 Newsletter.

• CLICK here to download resources

• CLICK here to see photographs

18th September 2019

The 11th Ordinary Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors concludes in Rome, stressing the need to incorporate the safeguarding of minors into the life of the Church on a global level. Read report here.

The Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service is organising a National Safeguarding Conference 2019, entitled 'A Journey in Silence'.  Participants will be Safeguarding personnel in parishes and Dioceses across Scotland.  The conference will take place on Saturday 5th October 2019.  

2nd September 2019

The Scotttish Government has launched Pre-Legislative Consultation on Financial Redress for Historical Child Abuse in Care on 2nd September 2019.  The closing date for responses is 25th November 2019.  This consultation seeks views on the detailed design of a statutory financial redress scheme in Scotland, scheme administration issues, and views on financial redress as part of a package of wider reparations for survivors of historical child abuse in care.

In October 2018, the Deputy First Minister made a commitment to introduce a statutory redress scheme, following the receipt of recommendations from a consultation with survivors which was carried out in 2017. Those recommendations form the starting point for this consultation and are referenced throughout.  This consultation is a necessary part of the pre-legislative process for the Scottish Parliament to consider and approve draft legislation. It seeks further detail on the key findings from the 2017 consultation, covers a wider range of issues, and provides an opportunity for all interested parties to express their views now there is a firm commitment to introduce a financial redress scheme in Scotland.

8th August 2019

The IRG (Independent Review Group) was established by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland following the publication of the McLellan Commission Report which reviewed Safeguarding policies, procedure and practice.  The IRG was tasked with scrutinising the progress of the implementation of the McLellan recommendations in the Catholic Church in Scotland. Its first report was published in June 2019. It shows that a good start has been made but that there is much still to do to ensure that safeguarding is understood as a core part of the mission of the church. 

As part of its ongoing work the IRG has, therefore, approached all dioceses to collaborate in hosting some open meetings. These 'conversations' will provide information about the work of the IRG and, more importantly, hear ideas from all parts of the Church about how to progress a shared understanding of Safeguarding and improve the Church’s approach to all aspects of Safeguarding. This includes the Church’s response to those who have been hurt by abuse. 

These are short gatherings which are intended to be listening exercises in which everyone can have a voice. With that in mind they may not be the best place to raise specific grievances or concerns. Anyone attending, however, can be given information about sources of advice and help. Diocesan staff and members of the IRG will do their best to respond separately to any individual concerns or issues. There will be a mechanism for leaving comments and feedback for those who do not want to speak. 

These meetings are a small part of the work of the IRG. It is the responsibility of the Church to continue the work of making the Church safe for all. It is a fervent hope, however, that people contributing to these conversations will provide much wisdom and impetus to help that journey. 

Dates /location of meetings in Dioceses will be added below.

15th June 2019

The Independent Review Group, chaired by Baroness Helen Liddell, published its first report on the Safeguarding practices and policies of the Catholic Church in Scotland. The report can be viewed here.

7th May 2019

Pope Francis' Motu proprio, 'Vos estis lux mundi', establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence, and ensures that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. It includes the obligation for clerics and religious to report abuse. Every Diocese must have a system that allows the public to submit reports easily.

"Vos estis lux mundi". "You are the light of the world… Our Lord Jesus Christ calls every believer to be a shining example of virtue, integrity and holiness". The Gospel of Matthew provides the title and first words of Pope Francis' new Motu proprio dedicated to the fight against sexual abuse committed by clerics and religious, as well as the actions or omissions of Bishops and Religious Superiors that in any way interfere with or fail to investigate abuse. The Pope recalls that "the crimes of sexual abuse offend Our Lord, cause physical, psychological and spiritual damage to the victims and harm the community of the faithful", and mentions the special responsibility of the Successors of the Apostles to prevent these crimes. The document represents another result of the Meeting on the Protection of Minors held in the Vatican in February 2019. It establishes new procedural rules to combat sexual abuse and to ensure that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. It establishes universal norms, which apply to the whole Catholic Church.

Read the full Motu proprio: 'Vos estis lux mundi' here.

In his concluding address at this meeting of experts on the issue of Child Abuse, Pope Francis said: 

"The best results and the most effective resolution that we can offer to the victims, to the People of Holy Mother Church and to the entire world, are the commitment to personal and collective conversion, the humility of learning, listening, assisting and protecting the most vulnerable.

I make a heartfelt appeal for an all-out battle against the abuse of minors both sexually and in other areas, on the part of all authorities and individuals, for we are dealing with abominable crimes that must be erased from the face of the earth: this is demanded by all the many victims hidden in families and in the various settings of our societies."

Read the full text here.