Statement from Bishop Olmsted on Vatican Summit

PHOENIX (Feb. 20, 2019) — The Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, released the following statement as the Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church gets underway:

“As the bishops, religious and others from across the worldwide Church gather in Rome with Pope Francis for the Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church, I ask you to join me in prayer that the voices of survivors will be heard, that Church leadership will be filled with humility and contrition, and that systems to protect children and vulnerable adults will be strengthened.

The topics of responsibility, accountability and transparency will be part of the presentations and discussions. Critical to the outcome of this meeting will be the development of systems and processes to hold accountable members of the hierarchy who have perpetuated the cover-up of abuse. May the Holy Spirit bring light, wisdom and courage to those gathered with our Holy Father.”

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Learn more about the meeting: http://www.pbc2019.org/home