Pope Francis issued a video message to the delegates attending the conference on the protection of children in Warsaw, stating that the church should admit its mistakes, but this can also be a period of hollowing out of itself and opening up new horizons of love and service to each other.
(Vatican News Network) The European Church’s International Conference on the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults was held in Warsaw from September 19 to 22. Pope Francis released a video message on the eve of the conference, pointing out that the crime of sexual assault by church members has caused great shock and the church is looking for appropriate The answer starts with humbly listening to the victim, seeking the truth, and asking for forgiveness.
The Pope quoted a speech two years ago to show that the interests of the victims should not be set aside for fear of the reputation of the church as an institution. On the contrary, only by facing the truth of these heart-wrenching behaviors and humbly seeking forgiveness from victims and survivors can the church find the way and be reconsidered as a place of acceptance and safety for those in need.
The Pope said to the participants: “I encourage you to listen to the victims’ requests in these important discussions, and make commitments to each other and to the wider society, because these discussions really touch the future of the church in Central and Eastern Europe, not just the future of the church. , It also touches the hearts of Christians, and touches our responsibilities.”
What happened was undoubtedly mistakes and failures, but not only that. The Pope mentioned, “Acknowledging our faults and failures will make us feel vulnerable and vulnerable. This is certain. But it can also be a period of splendid grace, a period of hollowing out oneself, and opening up love and love for each other. A new vision of service”. The Pope said, “If we admit our mistakes, we will have nothing to fear, because the Lord himself led us at that time”.
Finally, the Pope quoted a famous saying by the 16th President of the United States Lincoln to point out the attitude that should be upheld, that is, “no malice to anyone, and forgiveness and benevolence to everyone.” The Pope encouraged bishops, men and women, lay believers and victims to work together in this attitude to deal with “common challenges.”
“I encourage you to be a humble tool of the Lord, to serve the victims of violations, to regard them as traveling companions and protagonists of a common future, to learn from each other, to become more loyal and resilient people, so that all of us can face it together. Challenges for the future.”
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