- 06 July, 2025
Vatican City, July 6, 2025: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Thibault Verny of Chambéry, who is also Bishop of Maurienne and Tarentaise, as the new president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Archbishop Verny succeeds Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, the American Capuchin who recently turned 80.
In France, Archbishop Verny previously led efforts against child abuse within the country’s Episcopal Conference. Until last June, he served as President of the Council for the Prevention and Fight against Paedophilia, passing the role to Bishop Gérard Le Stang of Amiens during the last plenary assembly.
Verny has worked extensively on the issue of abuse in the Church, first in the Archdiocese of Paris and later within the French Bishops’ Conference. His efforts included listening to and supporting victims, and collaborating with civil and judicial authorities. He views his new appointment as recognition of the work carried out by the French Church, particularly the establishment of the CIASE (Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church), which produced a significant report under Jean-Marc Sauvé, and the creation of the INIRR, a body for reparation and compensation.
Speaking to Vatican Media, Archbishop Verny expressed “humility” at the gravity of his mission, “gratitude” to Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal O’Malley, and “determination” to continue and deepen the Commission’s work.
“In France, my mission allowed me to listen to victims and accompany them on their journey,” he said, adding that collaboration with civil authorities helped develop protocols and methodologies useful for the wider Church.
Looking ahead, Archbishop Verny prioritises continuing the Commission’s initiatives already outlined in its annual report. He highlighted the “Memorare” project, aimed at helping local Churches welcome and support victims, and announced forthcoming guidelines to aid in the protection and pastoral care of minors.
He also emphasised the need for global cooperation. “Too often, individual countries work on their own. Instead, it is necessary to be able to support each other and share what is being done,” he said.
Archbishop Verny underscored the essential role of victims and their families in the Commission’s work. “It seems to me that we must continue to implement a mindset, a culture, within the Churches to spread the protection of minors,” he said.
Responding to perceptions of mistrust towards the Church, he argued that the public’s stance reflects a “demand” for accountability rather than hostility. “Trust is not achieved by decree. It is earned and built day by day,” he stated, stressing that the work of truth and supporting victims remains crucial for the Church’s credibility and mission.
Courtesy: Vatican News
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