Pope Francis calls for a culture of protection based on authentic relationships

On the occasion of a national meeting in Rome, Pope Leon XIV urges the Church in Italy to go beyond mere standards to promote a true culture of safeguarding rooted in charity, truth, and the protection of the most vulnerable. To His Eminence Reverend Cardinal Matteo Zuppi President of the Italian Episcopal Conference From the Vatican, April 10, 2026 Your Eminence,

I convey the warm greetings of His Holiness Pope Leon XIV to Your Eminence and the participants in the 2nd National Meeting of territorial referents for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults, convened by the national service of the Italian Episcopal Conference. The theme “Creating authentic relationships” refers to an essential task of Christian communities. Indeed, when each person is recognized in their dignity and preserved in their freedom, parishes, associations, and movements are trustworthy, capable of accompanying, educating, and protecting; where, conversely, respect is lacking, the relationship deteriorates and can cause serious harm. In the Christian vision, respect is not just a matter of correctness: it is a demanding form of charity, expressed in protecting others without appropriating them, in supporting without dominating, in serving without humiliating. It is from this root that the possibility of clear, mature, and secure relationships emerges. That is why protection cannot be understood solely as a set of rules to apply or procedures to follow: it requires wisdom that concerns the style of communities, the exercise of authority, the training of educators, vigilance over contexts, and transparency of behavior. The presence of the smallest and most vulnerable challenges the conscience of the Church and measures its ability to express genuine care, that is, to protect, listen, prevent, and not leave anyone alone. This is also why the work of those who promote training, discernment, coordination, and good practices represents a valuable contribution to the development of more welcoming and conscious communities. Particular attention must be given to those who have suffered abuse: their wounds require genuine closeness, humble listening, perseverance in seeking what is just and possible for repair. A Christian community lives out evangelical conversion when it does not defend itself in the face of the pain of those who have suffered but allows itself to be questioned by it; when it does not minimize evil but acknowledges it; when it does not close itself in fear of scandal but accepts to walk demanding paths of truth, justice, and healing. This is why your meeting has a significance that goes beyond the operational level, calling on the Church to grow in a culture of prevention that is, above all, a culture of evangelical safeguarding. The show that will be previewed at your congress, “And I will take care of you,” will also contribute to this. Your Eminence, dear friends, Pope Leon XIV encourages you to continue your work with confidence so that in the Italian dioceses, communities where the most fragile are welcomed, protected, and loved may develop. He entrusts each of you, as well as your service, to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and grants you his apostolic blessing with all his heart. I wish the greatest success for this initiative and all the possible good for your service to the Church and society. I take this opportunity to assure you of my deep respect. Your Eminence, Reverend Cardinal Pietro Parolin Secretary of State Translation done by ZENIT