Committee against abuse founded by Pope Francis in 2014

Frenchman Verny new president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Children

Vatikanstadt - US Cardinal O'Malley had to wait a long time for his replacement. At the age of 81, he can now retire. The Pope has appointed a new supreme protector of abuse in the Vatican - and he is no stranger.

Published on 05.07.2025 at 12:55 –

Thibault Verny (59) is the new President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Children. The appointment by Pope Leo XIV was announced by the Vatican on Saturday. The Archbishop of Chambéry had already been a member of the Commission since 2022. As President, the Paris native succeeds US Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley (81), who has headed the body since it was founded by Pope Francis in 2014.

Verny: Promoting subsidiarity and the fair distribution of resources

The commission is to propose measures to the Pope for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults against sexualised violence and all other forms of abuse. At the same time, it will provide those responsible in the local churches, religious congregations and Caritas with advice on how to better deal with cases of abuse and how to prevent them.

"Our priorities will focus on supporting churches, especially those that are still struggling to implement adequate protection measures," Verny said in a statement on his appointment: "We will promote subsidiarity and the equitable distribution of resources so that all parts of the Church, regardless of their geographical location or circumstances, can maintain the highest standards of protection." (KNA)