Currents News Staff
The four papal-elected organizers of the February Summit on Abuse met with Pope Francis on January 10, in an audience where Pope Francis confirmed his attendance for the entirety of the meeting and stated his goal and mission for these three days.
On Wednesday morning, the Holy See publicly announced the mission of the 3-day February abuse summit in the Vatican, nearly one month before leaders from every episcopal conference in the world come to Rome to attend.
The papal spokesperson stated that for Pope Francis, this meeting has a clear objective.
“The goal is that all of the bishops clearly understand what they need to do to prevent and combat the worldwide problem of the sexual abuse of minors,โ said Vatican Spokesperson Alessandro Gisotti.
The Pope advises that the meeting is not an academic seminar, but an occasion for prayer and discernment, from which concrete results should be obtained.
“It is fundamental for the Holy Father that when the Bishops who will come to Rome have returned to their countries and their dioceses that they understand the laws to be applied and that they take the necessary steps to prevent abuse, to care for the victims, and to make sure that no case is covered up or buried,โ said Gisotti.
The meeting will take place at the Vatican from Feb. 21-24. In addition to seeking global solutions to the scourge of abuses, the bishops will participate in a penitential liturgy.
Pope Francis has appointed Fr. Federico Lombardi, a former Vatican spokesman, to moderate the summit and its work.
There will be around 180 people attending the meeting, including the lead bishops, superiors of religious communities and most importantly abuse survivors.
The Vatican has announced the next press conference on the summit will be February 18.