Continuing decisively along the lines undertaken by Pope Benedict XVI, and accepting a proposal presented by the Council of Cardinals, the Holy Father has decided to establish a specific Commission for the protection of minors, with the aim of advising Pope Francis on the Holy See’s commitment to the protection of children and in pastoral care for victims of abuse. Specifically, the Commission will:
1. study present programmes in place for the protection of children.
2. formulate suggestions for new initiatives on the part of the Curia, in collaboration with bishops, Episcopal conferences, religious superiors and conferences of religious superiors.
3. indicate the names of persons suited to the systematic implementation of these new initiatives, including lay persons, religious and priests with responsibilities for the safety of children, in relations with the victims, in mental health, in the application of the law, etc.
The composition and competences of the Commission will be indicated shortly, with more details from the Holy Father in an appropriate document.
Cardinal O’Malley then quoted some of the courses of action proposed by the Commission with regard to the reformulation of the Pastoral Constitution Pastor Bonus.
This most recent round of meetings of the College of Cardinals will conclude tomorrow afternoon. By then, the Cardinals will complete the review of the different Congregations of the Roman Curia initiated during these recent days.
The next round of meetings is scheduled for February 17, 18 and 19, preceding the Consistory of the College of Cardinals due to take place on the 20th and 21st of the same month, and the Consistory for the Creation of new cardinals on February 22nd, the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, and the solemn Concelebration of Mass on Sunday the 23rd.
In addition, the meeting of the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops is scheduled to take place in the days immediately afterward (24-25 February).
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