In a powerful and deeply pastoral appeal, Pope Leo XIV has called on the Italian Catholic Church to embrace a genuine “culture of prevention” in its ongoing efforts to combat abuse. Speaking in Assisi during a significant gathering with the Italian Bishops’ Conference, the Pope emphasized that safeguarding the vulnerable must become a defining characteristic of Church life — not a reaction to scandals, but a long-term, internal transformation.

A Call to Protect the Most Vulnerable

The Pope placed special focus on the “youngest and most vulnerable” members of the community, urging Catholic institutions to remain vigilant in the protection of minors and adults at risk. He stressed that safeguarding is not merely an administrative requirement; it is a moral priority rooted in the dignity of every human being.

He expressed gratitude to the Italian Church for steps already taken, while insisting on renewed commitment: encouraging them to continue building systems, training, and pastoral environments that place protection at the heart of their mission.

Listening and Healing as Central Pillars

Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of listening — truly listening — to survivors. He insisted that the Church must be a place where victims feel welcomed, believed, and supported. Silence, defensiveness, and institutional resistance, he suggested, have no place in a Church seeking to rebuild trust.

He made clear that the way forward must involve three inseparable actions:

• Safeguarding, to ensure environments are secure.
• Listening, to understand and take seriously the experiences of survivors.
• Healing, to accompany wounded individuals and communities toward restoration.

These are not optional spiritual gestures but essential parts of prevention.

Criticism From Survivor Groups

However, not all observers were satisfied. Italian advocacy group Rete L’Abuso expressed disappointment that the Pope did not push harder for a national-level inquiry into abuse within the Italian Church. The group also pointed to longstanding concerns: hundreds of accusations, many unreported to civil authorities, and transfers of accused clergy without proper investigation.

While they acknowledged the Pope’s compassion and moral clarity, they argued that structural reform remains incomplete without mandatory reporting, full transparency, and independent oversight.

A Wider Cultural Challenge

Pope Leo XIV’s remarks reflect a broader insistence that the Church confront all forms of abuse — whether sexual, spiritual, psychological, or institutional. Prevention, he said, must be woven into the Church’s educational, pastoral, and administrative life.

At its core, this is not simply about rules, but about conversion of culture: transforming attitudes, correcting harmful power dynamics, increasing accountability, and strengthening pastoral care.

Education and Formation as the Foundation

A significant part of the Pope’s vision centers on constant formation. Priests, religious, and lay leaders alike, he stated, must be trained to recognize abuse, prevent risky environments, and respond appropriately to allegations.

Prevention, he insisted, must be taught and retaught — embedded into catechetical programs, seminary training, parish life, and all institutions serving young people and vulnerable persons.

A Church Committed to Renewal

The Pope’s address reflects an ongoing, global commitment to strengthening child protection within the Catholic Church. While the Italian Church has taken steps forward, its path mirrors a worldwide movement: a push toward transparency, accountability, and survivor-centered reform.

His vision is one of a Church that does not merely correct past failings, but builds a future where abuse is both prevented and confronted decisively — always with humility, courage, and a profound respect for human dignity.

References

1. The Straits Times – Pope urges ‘culture of abuse prevention’ in the Italian Church.
2. NDTV – Pope Leo XIV Asks Italian Church To Develop ‘Culture Of Abuse Prevention’.
3. Vatican News – Abusi, Francesco: formazione e ascolto creano una cultura della prevenzione.
4. The Holy See – Address of Pope Francis to the Italian Episcopal Conference on safeguarding.
5. Vatican News – Il Papa: sradicare la “cultura di morte” degli abusi, no al silenzio complice.
6. Zenit – Pope Francis Calls for a Cultural Shift in Child Protection Within the Church.

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