Those who break child protection rules must be brought to book

Bishops who fail to comply with child protection rules must be held to account, the president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors said during the body’s first plenary session.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley said “practical remedies” the panel had considered included measures to improve accountability, courses for Curia and bishops, and making grants from Catholic funding organisations conditional on the provision of child protection. The panel planned to seek advice from a wide selection of experts and survivors of abuse.

The commission was said to be preparing materials for a Day of Prayer for those who have been harmed by sexual abuse.