ROME (AP) – Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed his dedication to combating clergy sexual abuse by appointing Bishop Thibault Verny from France to lead the Vatican's child protection advisory commission. This appointment was made on a Saturday, signifying the Pope's commitment to this critical issue.
Bishop Verny, 59, takes over the role from Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the retired archbishop of Boston, who was the founding president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Established by Pope Francis in 2014, this advisory group aims to guide the church in implementing best practices for protecting children and preventing abuse. Throughout Francis’ 12-year pontificate, the commission has faced challenges as the sexual abuse scandal has unfolded globally. In recent years, it has regained focus, transforming into a platform for victims to voice their experiences and for bishops to receive advice on developing guidelines to prevent abuse.
Currently serving as the bishop of Chambery, France, Verny has been on the commission since 2022. He is also the head of the child protection council of the French bishops' conference, which has been severely impacted by cases of abuse involving clergy members. In 2021, a report revealed that approximately 330,000 children in France had experienced sexual abuse at the hands of church personnel over the past 70 years, compelling Verny to oversee an annual audit of the French church's centers for receiving victims.
Cardinal O’Malley expressed his support for Verny’s appointment, highlighting the bishop's extensive experience in assisting victims and collaborating with law enforcement to ensure accountability for the church's significant failings in France. O'Malley commended Pope Leo XIV for recognizing the importance of the commission as a priority, emphasizing that the Pope's actions demonstrate a firm commitment to protecting children, vulnerable adults, and communities.
In response to his new role, Verny lauded O’Malley’s leadership as courageous and described him as a "moral compass" for the church, referencing O'Malley's forceful reactions to the mishandling of abuse cases, even by Pope Francis himself. Verny stated his dedication, alongside the commission's members, to building upon the legacy left by O'Malley in addressing this critical issue.
This appointment comes just as Pope Leo XIV prepares for a six-week vacation at the papal summer retreat south of Rome, underscoring the timely nature of Verny’s new responsibilities. The Pope's commitment to continuing reforms within the church's approach to safeguarding children and responding to abuse allegations is evident and crucial.
