Pope Leo XIV Approves New Statutes for Protection of Minors Commission

Vatican City, June 13, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has approved new Statutes for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, strengthening the Church’s commitment to safeguarding minors and vulnerable persons while promoting accountability and transparency across the universal Church.

The revised Statutes, published on Saturday, replace those introduced in 2015 and align the Commission’s structure and mandate with the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium. Approved ad experimentum for a period of three years, the new Statutes came into effect following the Pope’s approval during an audience on May 20, 2026, according to a Rescript signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

The Pontifical Commission stated that the revised text enhances its role in promoting safeguarding practices and ensuring that the protection of minors is fully integrated into the life and structures of the Church.

Archbishop Thibault Verny, President of the Commission, described the new Statutes as “an important step in deepening our shared responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable.”

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He said the revisions reflect listening to victims, survivors, safeguarding experts, and local Churches, while reaffirming safeguarding as a central priority.

The updated Statutes strengthen the Commission’s mandate, focusing on victim- and survivor-informed approaches, accountability, transparency, and effective safeguarding practices worldwide. They also clarify the Commission’s collaboration with other Dicasteries of the Roman Curia.

The Commission, which reports directly to the Pope, advises him on matters related to the protection of minors and vulnerable persons from abuse. It works closely with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith by exchanging information, developing safeguarding methods, preparing annual reports, and supporting formation programmes.

The revised framework also reinforces support for local Churches in establishing safeguarding structures, accessible reporting systems, and listening centres that welcome and accompany victims and survivors while protecting confidentiality and personal data.

The Commission will continue preparing the Annual Report on Church Policies and Procedures for Safeguarding, which evaluates safeguarding measures across the global Church, identifies challenges, and provides recommendations.

Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly emphasised that protecting minors and vulnerable persons remains a fundamental responsibility of the Church. The Commission said the renewed Statutes strengthen its mission of accompanying local Churches in building safer environments worldwide.

Courtesy: Vatican News