Roman incompetence dealing with abuse cases

Hans Zollner's resignation from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Children caused quite a stir. Now the Jesuit spoke about the concrete background that prompted him to take this step: for example, there was a lack of competence in a core area in the committee.

The Church's child protection expert Hans Zollner has emphasised that his much-noticed resignation from the Pontifical Commission for Child Protection is not a polemical act. His aim was to improve the work of the Commission, Zollner said at a press conference in Rome on Monday. Transparency, compliance with the rules and clear responsibilities are indispensable. If these three are missing, there is a danger of abuse and concealment in every institution.

Zollner explained that he had initially tried several times to submit his warnings internally and in writing, but had received no response. At the same time, he pointed out that other members had left the Commission under protest before him. Their voices had not been taken sufficiently into account.

Criticism of O'Malley

Zollner criticised the fact that the Commission's chairman, Cardinal Sean O'Malley, had published the announcement to the media about Zollner's departure without consulting him.

He denied that the problems in the Commission had only begun with its assignment to the CDF. But they had intensified since then. In particular, the competences and allocations had become more unclear; among other things, the appointment of new members had been less transparent. Since then, there has been a lack of competence in the important area of canon law.

The experience with the cover-up of abuse cases teaches that clear competences and responsibilities are indispensable, Zollner said. Many responsible persons in the church had understood how important the fight against abuse was, others obstructed it. The Child Protection Commission was a "brilliant idea" of Pope Francis, and its very existence was a success. It was important and so visible that it should not have any structural faults. The Church must finally find suitable ways and create spaces to listen to the victims. 

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