The following statement by Archbishop Eamon Martin is a response to today’s Letter to the Presidents of Episcopal Conferences and Superiors of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, by the Holy Father Pope Francis, regarding the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors:
I welcome the letter of Pope Francis regarding the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. I look forward to discussing its importance with the other members of the Episcopal Conference at the next meeting of the Bishops’ Conference. As the Holy Father points out, “Families need to know that the Church is making every effort to protect their children. They should also know that they have every right to turn to the Church with full confidence, for it is a safe and secure home.” The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland has been working with our dioceses, religious congregations and missionary societies to ensure that there are in place robust and fair procedures in relation to child safeguarding. The commitment of volunteers in parishes and Church organisations throughout the country is a vitally important part of the Church working to build up a culture of credible safeguarding practice. It is my hope that the newly-established Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors will continue to build up and enhance this good work.
ENDS
· Archbishop Eamon Martin is Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland and President of the Irish Episcopal Conference
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