By Kathy Schiffer
This morning
at the Vatican, it was announced that Pope Francis will set up a child
protection commission to combat child abuse.
Boston’s Cardinal
Sean O’Malley, who is in Rome to attend the Council of Cardinals meeting at the
Vatican, told reporters that the commission will survey child protection
programs and work with bishops and religious.
Among the
commission’s responsibilities will be reviewing existing guidelines, priestly
formation programs, codes of conduct, and procedures for screening candidates
for the priesthood.
The commission will
also focus on supporting victims of abuse, will issue recommendations regarding
how the Church can best cooperate with civil authorities, and will advise the
Pope on prevention policies and pastoral outreach for the victims.
The commission
will include both clergy and lay people.
The
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith will retain responsibility for
investigating and trying accused priests.
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