Pope Leo XIV Appoints Bishop Verny to Lead Vatican Child Protection Commission

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Thibault Verny of France to lead the Vatican's Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, signaling a strong commitment to combatting clergy sexual abuse. Verny, who replaces Cardinal Sean O’Malley, has been a commission member since 2022 and leads France's child protection efforts, including annual audits of centers supporting abuse victims following revelations that an estimated 330,000 children were abused by church personnel over 70 years. The commission, founded in 2014 by Pope Francis to advise on abuse prevention, initially struggled to make significant progress but has evolved into a platform for victims' voices and guidance for bishops on safeguarding. Verny emphasized his commitment to equitable protection standards across the global Church, while O'Malley praised him as a collaborative leader experienced in working with victims and authorities. The appointment underscores Pope Leo XIV’s priority to address abuse transparently and ensure accountability within the Church hierarchy.