Pope Francis called together the presidents of the Episcopal conferences from all over the world for a summit at the Vatican Feb 21 to 24. It covered the topic of “Protection of Minors in the Church.”
UISG's president “We do hope that one day we will get there; and that we will be the same amount as male religious present.”
They were disappointed.
He asks bishops to comply with the norms and not just take them as indications, give priority to victims, not cover up abuses; and better selection of seminarians.
The Summit has today included a penitential liturgy to apologize for the abuses.
The third day of the Summit on Abuse was devoted to transparency.
This avoids generating mistrust in areas where confidentiality is not necessary.
He created a framework of three points to keep bishops accountable.
He kicked off the second day of the Summit of Sexual Abuse with a talk on collegiality.
"Once you hear these stories you can't stay the same," explains the expert on prevention of abuse, Fr. Hans Zollner.
They commenced the Vatican Summit against Abuse by highlighting the responsibilities of bishops.
There will be 190 participants who will also listen to the testimonies of victims.
Before the General Audience, he met with pilgrims from the diocese where St. Padre Pio was born.
During Thursday's session, the 190 participants are reflecting on the bishops' responsibilities.
Abuse survivors call for immediate action. “The Church is on 'borrowed time' at this moment,” says Juan Carlos Cruz.
Arch. Eamon Martin and Marie Collins voice their expectations for the abuse summit.
The summit will begin on Thursday and finish on Sunday.
Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA) – Global Justice Project is in Rome this week with 40 survivors, survivor activists, and human rights activists.
The meeting will cover the systemic side, the structural side and the institutional side of abuse, and follow three main topics.
Everyone needs to understand that any form of violence is not accepted, to report if they see any, and to listen to victims, both within the Church and society.
It has published a manual that explains how he should act from the moment he knows of an abuse case, until the accused is prosecuted.