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As 133 cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel today to elect a new pope, the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) has issued a public prayer urging Church leaders to prioritize the protection of abuse survivors, Crux, Elise Ann Allen, senior writer for the Catholic-centric news outlet Crux reported.
The commission called for courage, humility, and accountability, stating that the Church’s credibility “depends on real accountability, transparency, and action rooted in justice.” The timing of the prayer coincides with mounting controversy over the presence of Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani, who is not eligible to vote due to his age but has been seen participating in pre-conclave events despite restrictions imposed by Pope Francis in 2019.
Cipriani, 81, was disciplined by the late pontiff after allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a teenage boy during confession. Although he accepted the sanctions—which reportedly barred him from public declarations, wearing cardinal robes and insignia, and returning to Peru without permission—he has since defied those restrictions. In January, he traveled to Lima to receive an award and has issued several public statements accusing Pope Francis of procedural unfairness. He has also attended memorial events and general congregation meetings in full cardinal attire, prompting backlash from abuse survivors and advocacy groups like SNAP and Bishop Accountability.
While Cipriani’s presence has sparked international outcry, participating cardinals have remained silent on the matter, even though they have addressed the status of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, implicated in financial misconduct. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed in January that Cipriani remains under disciplinary measures and noted they were “signed and accepted” by the cardinal.
Although the PCPM did not directly reference Cipriani, its message was pointed: “Let no concern of scandal obscure the urgency of truth. Let no consideration for reputation impede our paramount responsibility to take action on behalf of those who have been abused.” The commission called on cardinals to become “vigilant shepherds” and “true disciples” who act on behalf of survivors and uphold transparency and justice.
Are You A Survivor Of Sexual Abuse At The Hands of the Catholic Church? You May Be Entitled To Compensation.
To learn more about your legal rights, institutional accountability, and how to take action, visit SurvivorsRights.com’s Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide.
