Pope Francis has appointed Teresa Devlin, CEO of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, as a new member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. This Commission serves as an independent institution connected to the Holy See, with an advisory function at the service of the Holy Father.
Commenting on the new appointment, Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, extended his congratulations to Ms Devlin, saying, “Teresa has worked with the National Board since 2009 and took up the post as CEO in January 2015. Teresa’s appointment is therefore also an international recognition of the work of the National Board and the significant contribution it has made to assist the Church in Ireland to put in place robust child safeguarding measures. Working with the National Board Teresa has adopted a professional and supportive, but challenging approach, always insistent that we in the Church continually monitor, evaluate and review our policy and practice in this area.”
He continued, “I have worked with Teresa over the last twelve years and am familiar with her determination to support the Church in ensuring that the pastoral environment is always safe for children; that all allegations are immediately reported to the relevant statutory authorities and are processed fully in accordance with civil and canon law; and, that those who have been harmed as a result of abuse are responded to with care and compassion.”
Archbishop Martin concluded, “I am confident that Teresa will work positively with the Commission and bring her extensive experience of working with the Catholic Church in Ireland to the sharing and development of safeguarding best practice initiatives across the global Church. It is also my hope that Teresa’s presence on such an important international body will help bring back to Ireland fresh insights for the benefit of safeguarding in this country.”
To read the full statement by Archbishop Martin, click here.
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