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A enhanced anti-abuse trainingbetter verification mechanisms and, in particular, “active link” in communication with victims These are the Vatican’s recommendations to intensify the fight against this situation in Mexico.

recommendations included in the first report Commission for the Protection of Minors presented Tuesday at the Vatican.

These are the conclusions of the visit ad limina Mexican Bishops’ Conference in 2023with the help of which, together with reports from 19 other countries around the world, at the request of Pope Francis, this first annual report on “politics and guardianship order in the church“.

In meetings with Mexican bishops who visited the Vatican in three groups in April, May and June, the Commission rehearsed pilot project which consisted of a series of 10 questions to members of the bishops’ conference.

It received 20 replies, which is equivalent to 20% of the total amount.

As a result, the Commission, which accepted an official invitation to visit Mexico to assist the church, highlights several problems, noted by the “existence of important Cultural Barriers to Whistleblowing which constitute clear obstructions to the process of justice.”

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There is “some difficulty in managing relations with civil authorities” and “differences between states in terms of legislation, professional resources and geographical conditions” have led to “complaints being filed with ecclesiastical authorities rather than in civil courts”, which shows “difficulties in establishing relationships of mutual trust with the judicial system”.

The commission also emphasizes the importance of “developing verification and control mechanisms integrated into the diocesan security infrastructure” and highlights the concerns of the Episcopal Conference about the slowness of procedures and updates Dicastery of the Doctrine of Faith.

He also emphasizes the role of the Dicastery “in the speedy consideration of those cases in which the bishops themselves are involved.” negligence or default debt or are alleged direct culprits crimes“.

Also requested increase in national funding for training in the field of guardianship and victim/survivor support services “and, above all, in light of the interest and enthusiasm for guardianship training expressed in particular by the lay faithful.”

Despite the existence of the National Defense Council, the Commission “confirms need for more comprehensive support service victims/survivors at the diocesan level.”

So, the final recommendations are:

• Establish formal requirements and ensure that all pastoral agents have access to ongoing training to develop a culture of care.
• Establish formal and stable relationships with civil authorities, especially the National System for the Integrated Protection of Girls, Boys and Adolescents (SIPINNA).
• Develop verification and control mechanisms at all levels of the security infrastructure. The Commission is ready to accompany the development of such mechanisms and/or provide direct support using its own monitoring and control tool.
• Develop a communication protocol to proactively communicate with victims/survivors.

EFE