Pope Leo XIV has approved new Statutes for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, replacing those promulgated in 2015. The updated text brings the Commission’s structure and mandate in line with the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium. The new Statutes were approved ad experimentum for three years and published on Saturday, 13 June 2026. A Rescript signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin noted the Holy Father approved the revised text during an audience on 20 May 2026 and ordered its immediate entry into force.
In a press release, the Commission said the revised text strengthens its role in promoting safeguarding practices across the universal Church. It forms part of a broader effort “to ensure that safeguarding is fully integrated into the life and structures of the Church.” Archbishop Thibault Verny, President of the Commission, said the Statutes “mark an important step in deepening our shared responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable.” He added they “reflect listening—to victims/survivors, to safeguarding experts, and to the experience of local Churches—and reaffirm that safeguarding remains a central priority.” According to the Commission, the revised Statutes strengthen its mandate and operational effectiveness, and continue to emphasize victim- and survivor-informed approaches. They also clarify the Commission’s relationship with other Dicasteries of the Roman Curia and reinforce its role in promoting “accountability, transparency, and good safeguarding practices globally.”
The Commission reports directly to the Pope and advises him on the protection of minors and vulnerable persons from abuse. It is established alongside the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and therefore collaborates closely with it on information exchange, development of safeguarding methodologies, preparation of the Annual Report, and formation programs. The President or Secretary are nominated members of the Dicastery, and one or more Dicastery officials are nominated by the Prefect as observers at the Commission’s Plenary Assemblies. The Commission does not govern but helps guide the Curia’s service to the universal Church by promoting local responsibility and competencies of the various Vatican Dicasteries. Support for local Churches and annual reporting
Among the developments highlighted is continued support for local Churches in developing safeguarding frameworks and promoting stable, accessible reporting systems. This includes listening centres that “welcome, listen to and accompany victims/survivors,” while protecting confidentiality and personal data. The Commission is also responsible for preparing the Annual Report on Church Policies and Procedures for Safeguarding. The report draws on contributions from Dicasteries and local ecclesial bodies and seeks to map “the status of safeguarding in the global Church” by distinguishing between verified policies, declared practices, information received, systemic issues, and recommendations. Pope Leo has repeatedly affirmed that the protection of minors and vulnerable persons is a fundamental responsibility of the Church. The Commission said the revised Statutes reaffirm this commitment and support its mission of accompanying local Churches in strengthening safeguarding efforts worldwide.