To simplify mechanisms for the withering dismissal of abusers and more agility in canonical processes for victims. This is what the Commission for the Protection of Minors asks for in its first report on abuse, drawn up at the request of Pope Francis.
MONS. LUIS ALÍ HERRERA
Secretary, Pont. Com. for the Guardianship of Minors
The permanent, constant complaint is the lack of communication. A canonical process begins and then many of these victims know absolutely nothing about this process. This same situation, this same complaint, is not only said of the organisms of the Roman Curia, but also of the particular churches, the dioceses, of those in charge of their canonical processes.
One of the solutions they propose is to create the figure of a procurator for the victims; that is, a kind of prosecutor in permanent contact with the Doctrine of the Faith, who is also asked for more transparency.
JUAN CARLOS CRUZ
Abuse victim and Commission member
It is very important to explore how you can provide more information to an individual about their abuse case, not only because of what they want to know, but because it traumatizes people to have to tell their story 100 million times and feel like it is going nowhere.
Other key points: the need for continuous communication between the dicasteries involved in the processes, as well as clarifying the competencies of each Vatican department in this matter.
Also, to raise awareness and involve local churches, dioceses and bishops' conferences, especially with specific training on abuse.
The commission also says it is important to establish clear policies for compensating victims.
MAUD DE BOER-BUQUICCHIO
Legal Officer, in charge of the Annual Report
Reparation is not necessarily financial compensation. Reparation can consist of apologies, it can consist of offering solutions in terms of removing the aggressor from the victim's environment and from potential victims. It can take many forms, but I think the principle is absolutely clear: it is up to the victim to decide what kind of reparation he or she needs.
On the other hand, some victims, over the years, have questioned whether celibacy is one of the causes that may encourage clergy to commit abuse. This has been the response of the president of the commission in this regard.
CARD. SEAN O'MALLEY
President, Pont. Comm. on Guardianship of Minors
Most pedophilia takes place within the family. And so I noticed that this debate was raging in Germany, but in other parts of the world I think we are satisfied that celibacy is not the cause of pedophilia. Yes, we are aware of the incredible damage it has done to the credibility of the Church.
In any case, the Vatican report is a first step in addressing the opacity in child abuse cases. Its first survey has been analyzing 20 countries, among them Belgium and Mexico, as well as several religious congregations.
TR: JD
