Pope Leo XIV Appoints Bishop Thibault Verny to Head Child Protection Advisory Group
In a decisive move underscoring zero tolerance for abuse within the Church, Pope Leo XIV has named Bishop Thibault Verny of France to lead the Vatican’s commission on child protection. This appointment not only reflects the Pope's ongoing commitment to confronting clerical sexual abuse but also marks a new chapter in the Church’s efforts to safeguard the vulnerable.
Continuing the Fight Against Clerical Abuse
Bishop Verny, aged 59, takes over from Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the retired Boston archbishop who founded the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors under Pope Francis in 2014. The commission's mission is to develop and advise the Church on best practices to prevent abuse and protect children across the globe.
Over the years, as abuse scandals emerged worldwide, the commission faced significant challenges. Early proposals, such as establishing a tribunal to hold bishops accountable for covering up abuse, failed to gain traction. However, the commission has since evolved into an important platform where survivors’ voices are heard and bishops receive guidance on implementing child protection guidelines.
Bishop Verny’s Track Record and Responsibilities
Prior to this appointment, Bishop Verny has been an active member of the commission since 2022 and currently leads the child protection committee within the French bishops’ conference. His role has been particularly crucial given France’s painful history, highlighted by a 2021 report revealing that an estimated 330,000 children were sexually abused over the past 70 years by Church personnel.
Annually, Bishop Verny oversees audits of French Church centers dedicated to supporting abuse victims—a vital initiative launched in the wake of the scandal. His work involves close collaboration with civil authorities and law enforcement to ensure Church accountability for past failures.
Recognition of Leadership and Commitment
Cardinal O’Malley welcomed the appointment, commending Verny’s extensive experience assisting victims and his dedication to justice. He also praised Pope Leo XIV for maintaining the commission as a central priority in the Church’s ongoing reform efforts.
In a statement, O’Malley emphasized, “The Holy Father’s words and deeds in these early months of his pontificate assure the world that the Church will not grow complacent in her efforts to ensure the protection of children, vulnerable adults, and all people in our communities.”
Bishop Verny expressed deep respect for O’Malley’s courageous leadership, calling him a “moral compass” for the Church, notably when the cardinal publicly confronted abuse cases even when high-ranking officials faltered. He committed to building upon that legacy with his team.
Timing and Context
This significant appointment came just before Pope Leo XIV departed for his annual six-week summer retreat near Rome, signaling the sustained focus on confronting abuse even during the pontiff’s personal downtime.
This move marks a renewed commitment at the highest levels of the Vatican to address the Church’s past wrongs, support survivors, and strengthen protection frameworks worldwide.
