Pope Leo XIV takes first measure to deal with abuses committed by the Catholic clergy

Thibault Verny, 59, will assume the presidency of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and will continue to hold the position of Archbishop of Chambery in southeast France. Pope Leo XIV looks at the fisherman’s ring during his papacy inaugural mass on 18 May 2025. AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia Pope Leo XIV appointed a French archbishop as a new leader of the Vatican Commission on sexual abuse in his first public action to face a question that shaken the credibility of the church worldwide. Thibault Verny, 59, will assume the presidency of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and will continue to hold the position of Archbishop of Chambery in southeast France. The Vatican Commission was created by Pope Francis in 2014 as part of his efforts to respond to sexual abuse scandals that affected the church in several countries. These scandals compromised the moral authority of the Church, resulted in millionaire lawsuits in several countries and led to the resignation of several bishops. Verny said she was committed to improving the protection measures adopted by the church. “We will promote (…) equitable sharing of resources so that all parts of the Church, regardless of geography or circumstance, can keep the highest protective standards,” he said in a statement. Verny replaces Cardinal Sean O’Malley, former Boston Archbishop. At 81, O’Malley had been acting beyond the traditional age of retirement for 80 -year bishops. He had led the commission since its inception. Although some survivors praised the committee’s efforts, she also faced difficulties with the resignation of several members over the years. In 2023, an influential Jesuit priest and advisor of the Pope resigned, publicly claiming concerns about how the commission had been conducted. Verny was appointed member of the committee by Pope Francis in 2022. He was also at the head of the Church’s protection initiatives in France. O’Malley praised the appointment and stated in a statement that Verny is “a collaborative leader committed to the advancement of global adoption of protection and safeguard, to make the safety of those under the care of the church around the world as best. Pope Leo XIV criticizes nationalist movements in Mass of Pentecost

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