The Vatican’s child protection commission has raised concerns in its latest annual report about the slow response of senior Catholic leaders in addressing cases of sexual abuse by clergy and in implementing global safeguarding measures. Over the years, the Catholic Church, with its 1.4 billion members, has faced scandals worldwide involving abuse and cover-ups, leading to significant financial losses and credibility damage.

The report highlighted the failure of church leaders to keep victims informed about the handling of abuse reports and sanctions imposed on negligent bishops. It also noted that the commission’s requests for information on safeguarding protocols were not consistently met, with the Italian church being singled out for incomplete disclosures.

According to the report, victims often feel that the church’s responses are inadequate, characterized by empty settlements and performative gestures, rather than genuine engagement. The commission, established by the late Pope Francis in 2014, released its second annual report, spanning 103 pages and focusing on reparations for abuse survivors and the effectiveness of safeguarding efforts in 22 countries and within a key Vatican department.

The report specifically criticized the Dicastery for Evangelization, which oversees the church’s operations in many developing nations, for lacking clarity in handling safeguarding issues and delays in investigations. Italy’s bishops were also faulted for poor collaboration with the Vatican commission, as only 81 out of 226 dioceses responded to a safeguarding questionnaire.

Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Francis in May, has shown commitment to the commission by appointing a new president and engaging with its members. The report highlighted the need for greater transparency regarding the removal of bishops implicated in abuse or cover-up cases. It also emphasized the lack of resources in parts of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia to support abuse survivors.

The commission’s report underscored the importance of public accountability for church leaders and the necessity for dedicated resources to address abuse in regions where support is lacking. The Vatican’s efforts to address clergy abuse have been ongoing, with a global reporting system established by Francis to address suspicions of abuse or cover-ups.