VATICAN CITY, Rome — Citing that dignity is a gift from God, who created human beings in His own image and likeness (cf. Gen 1:26), Pope Leo XIV urged representatives of various conferences of men and women religious, as well as numerous institutes of consecrated, apostolic, and contemplative life, to build communities where the dignity of every person—especially minors and the most vulnerable—is protected and promoted.
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors concluded its Spring Plenary Assembly in Rome on Friday, March 20, after five days of reflection, dialogue, and planning focused on strengthening safeguarding practices across the universal Church.
Bringing together members and staff from around the world, the Assembly focused on enhancing engagement with victims and survivors, advancing global safeguarding standards, and reinforcing collaboration at every level of ecclesial life.
Speaking affectionately to those gathered for Tutela Minorum, which reaffirmed guidelines for the protection of minors while highlighting emerging forms of abuse, the American pontiff emphasized that “(dignity) is not something that is obtained by merit or effort, nor does it depend on what we possess or achieve—it is a gift that goes before us; it is born of the look of love with which God wanted us, one by one, and continues to want us.”
He added, “On every human face, even when it is marked by fatigue or pain, there is the reflection of the Creator’s goodness—a light that no darkness can erase.”
“The care and protection of one’s neighbor are the fruit of a gaze that recognizes, a heart that knows how to listen. They are born of the desire to approach with respect and tenderness, to share the other’s burdens and hopes. It is in taking responsibility for the life of our neighbor that we learn true freedom—freedom that does not dominate but serves, does not possess but accompanies,” the pope stressed.
Leo also highlighted that “consecrated life, an expression of total self-giving to Christ, is called in a special way to be a welcoming home and a place of encounter and grace.”
“Those who follow the Lord in chastity, poverty, and obedience discover that authentic love is born from recognizing one’s own limits: knowing that one is loved even in weakness, and it is precisely this that makes one capable of loving others with respect, gentleness, and a free heart,” he said.
“I therefore appreciate and encourage your intention to share experiences and learning processes on how to prevent all forms of abuse, and how to account, with truth and humility, for the steps taken to protect minors. I urge you to continue this commitment so that communities may increasingly become examples of trust and dialogue—places where every person is respected, listened to, and valued; where justice is lived with mercy, and wounds are transformed into openings for grace,” he added.
In closing, Leo invited attendees to continue collaboration with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which promotes and accompanies, with dedication, the growth of the whole Church in the culture of protection.
“I entrust you to Christ, Shepherd and Spouse of the Church, and to Mary Most Holy, Mother of every consecrated man and woman, and I cordially impart my blessing to you all,” he concluded.
(Tracy Cabrera/Sourced online)
