By Deborah Castellano Lubov
“I renew my appeal that there can be no tolerance for any form of abuse in the Church.”
Pope Leo XIV made this affirmation in the message he sent to the National Safeguarding Conference, held in Clark-Angeles, Philippines, from Oct 20-24 2025.
The Holy Father’s message was transmitted by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles J. Brown, to the Chairman of the Office on the Protection of Minors of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, of San Fernando, on the Pope’s behalf.
After expressing his appreciation for the National Safeguarding Conference, Pope Leo made an emphatic appeal for effective safeguarding.
No tolerance for any form of abuse
“The Church,” he said, “is our spiritual home, as such every parish and pastoral activity is meant to be a space in which we glorify God and care for others, especially children and the vulnerable.”
“In this regard,” Pope Leo continued, “I renew my appeal that there can be no tolerance for any form of abuse in the Church.”
Need for policies and practices ensuring transparency
Therefore, the Pope expressed his hope that their “deliberations will lead to the implementation of essential policies and practices that ensure transparency in dealing with cases, foster a culture of prevention and safeguard ‘these little ones’ of the Lord.”
“In doing so,” Pope Leo encouraged, “the Church in the Philippines and beyond will be a more authentic witness of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who always loves and cares for His flock.”
Finally, Pope Leo XIV entrusted those gathered at the conference to the protection of the Blessed Mother and imparted his Apostolic Blessing. – Vatican News
