Vatican City: The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors has released its Second Annual Report on Church Policies and Procedures for Safeguarding, stressing that true reparation for victims of abuse must extend far beyond financial compensation. The document calls for greater empathy, transparency, and active listening, emphasizing that victims primarily seek acknowledgment, understanding, and emotional support rather than monetary settlements.
Speaking to Vatican News, Dr. Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, a jurist and head of the working group that prepared the report, highlighted that the findings represent a major step forward in evaluating the Church’s global response to abuse. “This year, we focused on one of the central pillars of what we call ‘conversional justice’ the ecclesial adaptation of transitional justice and that pillar is reparations,” she explained. “We have created a practical vademecum for local Churches on how to implement reparation processes that are both compassionate and effective.”
According to Dr. de Boer-Buquicchio, the concept of reparations must include more than just financial aid. The study draws from victim testimonies across the world, revealing that many survivors value being heard and believed above all else. “What victims say, quite simply, is that they want to be listened to,” she said. “For many, feeling welcomed and supported by their Church community matters more than receiving compensation. Listening itself can be an act of healing.”
The report also draws attention to the Church’s urgent need for comprehensive and transparent data collection. Dr. de Boer-Buquicchio observed that a lack of reliable data continues to hinder progress in identifying abuse patterns and enforcing accountability. “No data means no problem this is the mindset we must overcome,” she stated. “We are working to expand our data sources beyond internal Church records and are collaborating with civil authorities and independent institutions to ensure greater accuracy.”
Reflecting on the progress achieved since the release of the first annual report, Dr. de Boer-Buquicchio acknowledged that while the road remains long, the Church has made steady strides toward awareness and reform. She noted that more dioceses now recognize the need for engagement with victims and the importance of maintaining ongoing dialogue. “We cannot expect rapid change,” she said. “But there is growing understanding, and the impact of our first report can already be felt in the way many local Churches are beginning to listen more carefully and act more responsibly.”
The report also categorizes local Churches worldwide into three groups based on their safeguarding progress. The first group consists of Churches that have developed clear guidelines, procedures, and victim-hearing mechanisms. The second includes those just beginning to shift focus from punishing offenders to supporting survivors. The third comprises Churches still at an early stage, struggling to establish systematic safeguarding practices.
Dr. de Boer-Buquicchio noted that progress does not always align with geography. “It’s easy to assume that the Global South lags behind, but that’s not always true,” she remarked. “In Tonga, for example, we found inspiring community-based models of victim support. Similarly, while many European Churches are advanced in implementing reforms, others still have much work to do. The global picture remains uneven.”
Looking ahead, the Commission’s next report will focus on justice and access to justice another key element of conversional justice followed by an assessment on institutional reform and truth. “Truth is the foundation of everything we advocate,” Dr. de Boer-Buquicchio affirmed. “Without truth, there can be no real reconciliation or healing.”
Ultimately, the Second Annual Report serves as both a guide and a moral reflection on the Church’s mission to safeguard its most vulnerable members. It calls for a Church that listens with humility, acts with compassion, and transforms its structures in service of truth and justice. As Dr. de Boer-Buquicchio concluded, “What victims want most is not money or punishment they want to be heard, to be believed, and to know that the Church stands beside them on the path to healing.”