« Fight against the abuse of minors both sexually and in other areas, on the part of all authorities and individuals », asked Pope Francis, in his speech at the end of the Eucharistic celebration, during the meeting on the Protection of minors in the church held at the Vatican from 21 to 24 February 2019.
During his speech, the Pope has strongly insisted on the need to “protect the little ones and prevent them from falling victim to any form of psychological and physical abuse”. And he has emphasized that “The Church’s aim will thus be to hear, watch over, protect and care for abused, exploited and forgotten children, wherever they are”.
Regarding the subject, Br.H. Emili Turú, Former Superior General of the Institute, took part in the meeting, in his capacity as general secretary of the Union of General Superiors, has mentioned what caught his attention: “I am always greatly moved by the stories of the victims and survivors. Their voices were listened to throughout the meeting, someone recorded, others in person. The tragedy through which they have lived reminds us, unequivocally, that always and in every case, they must have priority, and not the person or the institution involved in abuse.”.
In this context, Br. Emili has added that the voices of the victims “called out, somehow, saying “never again” and claiming safe spaces for the children, beginning with the Church”. “There is resistance, often unconscious, but progress is being made. It will take time to discover all the consequences of the three words centring on the meeting : responsibility, accountability and transparency, but I did see the will to move forward, beginning with the Pope”, has expressed, the Former Superior General of the Institute speaking about the culture of change and the protection of minors.
In this regard, we at FMSI , resorts to international mechanisms and institutions such as the UN, in order to defend children and assert their Human Rights in different contexts of child abuse.
Read the full interview to Br. H. Emili Turù here.
Read the full speech given by the Pope here.
