One of the important participants for the summit against abuses is Cardinal Sean O'Malley. He had helped bring order to Boston after the “Spotlight” case. He also chairs the Vatican Commission for the Protection of Minors.
He says that the Church's most urgent task is to confront the crisis of abuse, protect children, and help the victims.
CARD. SEAN O'MALLEY
President, Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors
“The principle that was so clearly articulated by John Paul II, 'there is no place in ministry for someone who harms a child,' and that has to be a line in the sand.”
He thinks that when a bishop realizes a priest may have committed abuses, in addition to implementing canonical measures, he must notify the police.
CARD. SEAN O'MALLEY
President, Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors
“We believe that there is a moral obligation to share this information with the civil authorities for the safety of children. I think the terrible crisis that we have experienced in the US is precisely because for so long, these crimes were not being reported. So reporting to me is a big part of the way forward for the protection of children.”
One of the other issues they are examining at the Summit is how to denounce a bishop who does not meet the standards of child protection and victim care.
CARD. SEAN O'MALLEY
President, Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors
“Coming out of this conference to be able to address the whole area of episcopal responsibility in a way that involves lay people; and restores confidence to our people, gives them a way to be able to report the negligent or the maleficence of the bishops; and a clear path forward to resolve those problems”.
In Cardinal O'Malley's opinion the key is transparency. This also includes those condemnations that sometimes are not made known publicly and loose their exemplary character.
