The Vatican's Meeting on the protection of minors in the Church Feb. 21-24 brings together almost 190 Church leaders: the presidents of national bishops' conferences, the heads of the Eastern Catholic churches, superiors of some men's and women's religious orders and top Vatican officials. At a news conference prior to the summit, Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta, one of the organizers, said that while the summit was not designed to produce a new document, a greater awareness of the global reality of the problem and the serious responsibility of every bishop to address it should lead to action around the world.
On the first day of the summit, participants heard from abuse survivors and were presented with 21 action items for reflection.
On the second day of the summit, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago presented details for a new system of holding bishops accountable, as well as other discussions on accountability and the use of pontifical secret in abuse cases.
The third day of the summit included discussions on how lack of transparency continues to harm victims. The day ended with a the bishops and participants attending a penitential liturgy.
The final day closed with Mass and Pope Francis saying it is time for an 'all-out battle' against the crime of abuse.
For more videos, information and resources, visit the summit website.
Read about the ways the Archdiocese of St. Louis is protecting children. www.archstl.org/promise
Below are some of the stories from Catholic News Service (CNS), Catholic News Agency (CNA) and Religion News Service (RNS).