VATICAN CITY, 5 July 2025 — Within Pope Leo XIV’s first 100 hours in office, the American-born pontiff has made a bold move to tackle clergy sexual abuse head-on. On Saturday, he appointed Archbishop Thibault Verny of Chambéry, France, as president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors—replacing Cardinal Seán O’Malley. This decisive action underscores the new pontiff’s intent to restore trust and moral credibility in the Catholic Church worldwide.
Immediate Leadership Change Signals New Papacy’s Focus
Pope Leo XIV has designated 59-year-old Verny, a member of the commission since 2022 and France’s lead on safeguarding efforts, to lead the influential group. Verny’s appointment follows widespread criticism over insufficient safeguarding measures and internal resignations, including that of a prominent Jesuit priest in 2023. “We will promote equitable sharing of resources so that all parts of the Church … uphold the highest standards of protection,” Verny stated in his inaugural remarks, emphasizing a commitment to global consistency in addressing abuse.
This marks Pope Leo XIV’s first major public decision since his election, sending a clear and unequivocal signal that combating clerical abuse is a non-negotiable priority for his nascent papacy. The choice of Archbishop Verny, known for his work in safeguarding and interaction with civil authorities in France, reflects a strategic intent to bring experienced leadership to this critical challenge.
Building on Francis’s Reforms Amidst Ongoing Challenges
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, established by Pope Francis in 2014, has previously implemented significant reforms, such as the Motu proprio Vos estis lux mundi. This landmark papal decree, updated in 2023, enforces abuse reporting and establishes protocols for investigating allegations against clerics, including bishops and religious superiors. While survivors have acknowledged the progress initiated under Pope Francis, many have also noted that effective accountability and enforcement often fell short.
Archbishop Verny’s appointment signifies a fresh attempt to reinforce and invigorate those efforts. The commission has faced internal friction despite its laudable initiatives; notably, a prominent commission member (referring to the Jesuit priest who resigned in 2023) stepped down citing operational roadblocks and a lack of transparency. Verny now faces the formidable task of reviving institutional unity within the commission and ensuring consistent, effective action across dioceses, especially in under-resourced regions where safeguarding measures may be less developed.
Victims and Advocates Welcome Move, Urge Deeper Reform
Abuse survivors and their advocates have largely welcomed the new appointment but stress that it must be merely the beginning of deeper, systemic reform. “I remain very hopeful,” affirmed Juan Carlos Cruz, a prominent survivor and current member of the commission. He reiterated, “whatever the new pope decides to do is fine,” but crucially stressed that the commission must be endowed with effective enforcement powers to truly bring about change and ensure justice for victims. External advocates, including Jesuit priest Hans Zollner, a former commission member and leading expert on safeguarding, have consistently pushed for a full zero-tolerance policy and clearer reporting mechanisms to civil authorities, advocating for measures that would lead to permanent removal from ministry for any priest found guilty of abuse.
The global nature of the abuse crisis and calls for consistent application of policies resonate across various societal discussions on accountability and justice, including debates on abortion law reform in the UK and other social issues covered in our Society & Culture section.
A Test of Papal Will and Broader Implications for the Church
Pope Leo XIV’s decisive first action undeniably demonstrates his determination to strengthen Vatican accountability and restore faith in the institution. Yet, the ultimate success of this initiative will hinge on how effectively Archbishop Verny can navigate and confront potential resistance within the Roman Curia and among various member dioceses globally. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in revealing whether this appointment signals genuine, transformative change or proves to be a symbolic gesture.
A reinvigorated anti-abuse drive aligns with Pope Leo XIV’s broader challenge of restoring the Catholic Church’s moral credibility and reaffirming its role as a moral authority worldwide. His leadership will be judged not only by initial appointments but, more importantly, by tangible outcomes: transparent investigations, prosecutions where appropriate, and genuine reconciliation with survivors. This early step highlights a key tension at the heart of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy: balancing a legacy of prudence and tradition with the urgent demand for swift, visible, and profound institutional reform. For more in-depth commentary and analysis on Vatican affairs and the intersection of faith and politics, visit our Editors’ Opinion section.