Vatican City (Reuters)-Pope Leo appointed this Saturday a French archbishop as the new leader of the Vatican Commission on clergy sex, in the first public action of the US pontiff to face an issue that impaired the credibility of the global church.
Thibault Verny, 59, will be the president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and, at the same time, will remain the Archbishop of Chambery, in southeastern France.
The Vatican Commission was created by Pope Francis in 2014 in an effort of the late pontiff to respond after sexual abuse scandals affected the church in countries around the world.
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The scandals damaged the church’s position as a moral voice, led to legal proceedings that cost millions in countries around the world and resulted in various waivers of bishops.
Verny said she was committed to improving church protection measures.
“We will promote the (…) equitable sharing of resources so that all parts of the Church, regardless of geography or circumstance, can maintain the highest protective standards,” he said in a statement.
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Verny replaces Cardinal Sean O’Malley, former Boston Archbishop. O’Malley, 81, was serving beyond the traditional age of retirement of the 80 -year -old church for bishops.
O’Malley had led the group since its inception.
Although some victims praised the committee’s efforts, it was also harmed by the waiver of several of its members over the years.
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In 2023, a prominent Jesuit Father and Papal Counselor resigned, publicly saying that he had concerns about how the group was operating.
Verny was appointed member of the committee by Francisco in 2022. He also led the protection efforts of the French Church.
O’Malley praised the appointment, saying in a statement that Verny is “a collaborative leader committed to the advancement of global adoption of protection and safeguarding, to ensure the safety of those under the care of the church around the world.”
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(Report by Joshua Mcelwee)
