Vatican Commission's First Global Abuse Assessment

The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, established by Pope Francis, has released its inaugural annual report, marking the first global assessment of the Catholic Church's response to clergy sexual abuse. The report criticizes the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith for slow case processing and secrecy, which are seen as retraumatizing to victims and fostering distrust. Key recommendations include improved transparency, victims' access to their case information, and compensation. The report highlights issues in various countries, like cultural barriers in Mexico and insufficient victim support in Papua New Guinea. Cardinal Sean O'Malley emphasized the need for accountability and victim care, underscoring a shift towards transparency and addressing past failures. This report represents a significant step for the commission, which has faced challenges in implementing victim-focused policies amid Vatican resistance.