CathNews New Zealand

The recently established Vatican Commission on safeguarding and care of abuse victims has discussed membership issues, and is looking to add some members especially from those areas that are not represented now, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

In an interview on Vatican Radio Fr Hans Zoller said that at its most recent meeting the commission “discussed membership issues; we want to add some members especially from those areas that are not represented now, Africa, Asia, Oceania.”

Jesuit Fr Hans Zollner is a psychology professor at Rome’s Gregorian University and heads its Centre for the Protection of Minors.

He also serves as a member of the recently established Vatican Commission on safeguarding and care of abuse victims.

Oceania includes the dioceses of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and the Pacific Island nations.

In a press release Cardinal Sean O’Malley said global representation is particularly important “because in some people’s minds, (they say) ‘oh this is an American problem,’ (or) ‘this is an Irish problem.’ No: this is a human problem and the Church needs to face it everywhere in the world.”

O’Malley is another of eight members chosen by Pope Francis to serve on the commission, which was established on March 22.

Source

• Vatican Radio
• CNA
• Image: Vatican Radio

 

 

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News category: New Zealand.