As the meeting on safeguarding and protection of minors begins we, the Major Superiors of Religious Orders and Congregations around the world, unite in support of this initiative of Pope Francis.

In our work as religious, we come across many situations where children are abused, neglected, maltreated and unwanted. We see child soldiers; the trafficking of minors; the sexual abuse of minors; the physical and emotional abuse of minors…

Pope Francis has repeatedly warned that across the planet, “a true world war is being fought piecemeal” and repeatedly he has decried the fact that so many children continue to be victims of conflict.

This reality was confirmed by a report, released on Friday by the global children’s charity,  “Save the Children” that reveals that more children are living in areas affected by armed conflict than at any time in more than 20 years…

Pope Francis, following the recitation of the Angelus prayer on Sunday, focused his attention on “the protection of minors in the Church” meeting, to be held in the Vatican from 21 to 24 February 2019.

The Pope said that all the Presidents of all the Episcopal Conferences would be there and he invited those present in St Peter’s Square to pray for the meeting, which the Pontiff said, he wanted “as an act of strong pastoral responsibility in the face of an urgent challenge of our time.”

The February Meeting will include plenary sessions, working groups, moments of common prayer, listening to testimonies, a penitential liturgy, and a final Eucharistic celebration…