The Vatican has provided final details about the upcoming summit on protection of minors in the Church. It will commence this Thursday.
CARD. BLASE CUPICH
Member of the Organizing Committee
“The only preparation he has asked the participants to make, in coming here, was to visit with victim survivors.” “We believe that it is important for all of us as we come here to carry in our hearts the suffering that those who have been abused have each and everyday of their lives. This will keep us focused and keep us motivated.”
There will be 190 participants for the summit. The first day will deal with the question regarding the responsibility of bishops. The participants will watch video testimonies of victims. The second day will focus on accountability; and on the third day transparency in order to address the culture of silence toward abuse.
MSGR. CHARLES SCICLUNA
Member of the Organizing Committee
“This need to break any code of silence, any complicity with denial. We have to face the facts because only confronting the truth will make us free.”
Fr. Federico Lombardi will be the moderator for the meetings. There will be 11 working groups. They will be organized according to language and will present their conclusions at the end of each day.
On Saturday afternoon, Pope Francis and victims of abuse will participate in a penitential liturgy. The following day, the summit will conclude with a Mass and a speech from the pope.
The Vatican has also said there will be a meeting with survivors of abuse in Rome before the summit begins.
