Latest news with #EstateRagazziinVaticano
UPI
a day ago
- Politics
- UPI
French Bishop to lead Vatican's minors-protection commission
Pope Leo XIV holds a drawing during an audience with children and young people during the 'Estate Ragazzi in Vaticano' summer camp in Vatican City on Thursday. Photo by Vatican Media/EPA July 5 (UPI) -- French Archbishop Thibault Verny is the Vatican's new president of its Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors after opposing child abuse within the Episcopal Conference. Pope Leo XIV appointed Verny to succeed American Capuchin Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley, with whom Verny worked to promote a "culture of protection for vulnerable people," Vatican News reported on Saturday. Verny is the Archbishop of Chambery and the Bishop of Maurienne and Tarentaise in France. As president of the commission to protect minors, Verny said he will continue working to protect minors against sexual abuse and raise awareness within the church. "In France, my mission ... allowed me to listen to the victims and accompany them on their journey," Verny said. "It was a decisive experience." He also worked with law enforcement and other civil authorities to develop protocols for thwarting abuse within the church. "It is a matter of raising awareness among the various sepiscopates, religious orders and congregations in different countries about listening to and accompanying victims in a specific way," Verny said. "We must continue to implement a mindset [and] a culture within the churches to spread the protection of minors and ensure that it becomes natural, both in the church and in family and also in society." His appointment comes as the Catholic Church works to address past wrongs and prevent future occurrences. Pope Francis in September visited Timor-Leste, during which he called for protecting youth amid a clergy abuse scandal in the island nation. He made the visit following the Vatican in 2022 disciplining Bishop Ximenes Belo, who had been accused of sexually abusing young boys during the 1980s and 1990s. The accusation was one of many that have plagued the Catholic Church for many years. In France, the Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse published a 2,500-page report in 2021 after a three-year investigation.
Herald Malaysia
3 days ago
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Ukrainian and Vatican summer camp children receive visit by Pope Leo
Pope Leo XIV meets with over 600 children in the Paul VI Hall, including participants from the Vatican's summer camp and Ukrainian children hosted by Caritas Italiana. Jul 03, 2025 The meeting with the children (@VATICAN MEDIA) VATICAN: Shortly before noon and following the conclusion of his audiences, Pope Leo XIV took the time to greet over 300 children and young people participating in the 'Estate Ragazzi in Vaticano' summer camp, gathered in the Paul VI Hall. They were joined by another 300 children and adolescents from Ukraine, welcomed to Italy for the summer by Caritas Italiana. After being welcomed by the young volunteers working at the summer camp, the Pope spent time speaking with the children and answering several of their questions. Recalling his own childhood, he shared memories of attending Mass, a place where he encountered other children and friends, but above all, 'the best friend of all: Jesus.' Reflecting on the themes of diversity and welcome, Pope Leo addressed the Ukrainian children with words of greeting in English. He highlighted the importance of mutual respect and the need to look beyond differences: 'It is important to build bridges, to create friendship. We can all be friends, brothers, and sisters,' he said. Builders of peace and friendship In response to a question about war, the Holy Father encouraged the children to become builders of peace and friendship, even from a young age. 'Do not enter into war or conflict. Never promote hatred or envy,' he said, reminding them that 'Jesus calls us all to be friends,' and he explained the importance of 'learning from childhood to respect one another and to see the other as someone like myself.' The children presented Pope Leo with a variety of gifts, including handmade crafts created during the summer camp, as well as drawings and artwork prepared by the Ukrainian children. At the conclusion of the encounter, after taking group photos, Pope Leo invited everyone to pray the Hail Mary together and imparted his blessing on all those present.--Vatican News
