- 17 June, 2026
Vatican, June 17, 2026: “The encounter with Christ marks us in a positive way and leads us toward a life full of love and freedom, whereas situations of abuse do the opposite, causing traumatic wounds that condition and diminish the spiritual and human development of the person.”
Pope Leo said this before his General Audience on Wednesday while addressing members of the Centro de Investigación y Formación de Protección al Menor (“Center for Research and Training on Protection of Minors”), a Latin American interdisciplinary organisation dedicated to preventing abuse and promoting the protection of children.
He expressed happiness in welcoming representatives from various Latin American countries who share a common objective of ensuring that ecclesial communities become safe spaces for everyone, particularly children, adolescents, and the most vulnerable.
Pope Leo emphasised his desire that “all spaces in the Church, whether physical or virtual, may truly be places for a fruitful encounter with Jesus Christ, free from fears, suspicions, or distrust.”
The need for safe spaces
“Thank you for being here and for carrying out this very important task.”
The Holy Father invited those present to reflect on how the first disciples were deeply moved from the moment they encountered Jesus Christ, an experience that transformed their lives and led them on a path of conversion, eventually inspiring them to dedicate themselves completely to Him.
He noted that this experience does not belong only to the past, as everyone is called to encounter the Risen Lord and experience His true love.
However, Pope Leo stressed that “it is necessary that we have safe spaces.”
The Pope condemned abuse, saying it causes deep trauma and hinders a person’s spiritual and human growth.
Jesus called for the protection of the little ones
The Pope explained that it was through the Lord’s own warning that the Centre established its mission, “responding to Christ’s call when He warns about the need to take care not to become a cause of scandal for the little ones (cf. Mt 18:6).”
The Holy Father also recalled that during his Apostolic Journey to Spain last week, he addressed the Bishops regarding the suffering of those harmed by people who were expected to care for them. He described these as situations in which “the ecclesial community is called to respond with listening, truth, justice, reparation, and an ever more determined commitment to prevention and a culture of care.”
A mandate for the entire Church
“This task, although primarily the responsibility of those of us called to be pastors,” Pope Leo insisted, “is a mandate for everyone in the Church, and some, like you, have taken it on even in the professional sphere.”
Pope Leo thanked those gathered and encouraged them “to continue forward with this great work, strengthening networks of collaboration between local Churches and civil institutions, promoting a culture of prevention and care for the most vulnerable.”
Finally, the Holy Father entrusted their efforts to the Blessed Mother so that they may continue carrying out this mission and so that the entire ecclesial community may increasingly become involved in it. He then imparted his Apostolic Blessing.
Courtesy: Vatican News
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