The following is the message, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Leo XIV by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, on the occasion of the Second National Meeting of local representatives for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults, taking place in Rome from 16 to 18 April 2026:

Message

To His Most Reverend Eminence
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi
President of the Italian Episcopal Conference

From the Vatican, 10 April 2026

Your Most Reverend Eminence,

I convey the cordial greetings of the Holy Father Leo XIV to Your Eminence and to the participants in the second national meeting of local representatives for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults, organized by the national service of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

The theme, “Generating authentic relationships”, points to an essential task of Christian communities. Indeed, when every person is recognised in their dignity and their freedom is safeguarded, parishes, associations and movements become trustworthy, capable of accompanying, educating and protecting; where, on the other hand, respect is lacking, relationships become impoverished, distorted and can cause serious harm.

From the Christian perspective, respect is not merely a matter of propriety: it is a demanding form of charity, expressed in safeguarding the other without appropriating them, in accompanying them without dominating them, in serving them without humiliating them. From this root springs the possibility of clear, mature and secure relationships. For this reason, protection cannot be understood merely as a set of rules to be applied or procedures to be followed: it requires a wisdom that permeates the style of communities, the way authority is exercised, the formation of educators, vigilance over contexts, and transparency in behaviour.

The presence of the youngest and the most vulnerable appeals to the conscience of the Church and measures her ability to express authentic care, that is, to protect, to listen, to prevent, and to leave no-one alone. For this reason too, the work of those who promote formation, discernment, coordination and good practice represents a valuable contribution to the development of more welcoming and aware communities.

Special attention must be given to people who have suffered abuse: their wounds call for sincere closeness, humble listening, and perseverance in seeking what is right and possible in order to make amends. A Christian community lives out evangelical conversion when she does not defend herself against the pain of those who have suffered, but allows herself to be challenged by it; when she does not minimise evil, but acknowledges it; when she does not shut herself off in fear of scandal, but accepts to walk the demanding paths of truth, justice and healing.

Your meeting therefore takes on a significance that goes beyond the practical level, calling the Church to grow in a culture of prevention that is, first and foremost, a culture of evangelical care. The performance to be premiered at your conference, Ed io avrò cura di te (“And I Will Take Care of You”), will also contribute to this.

Your Eminence, dear friends, Pope Leo XIV encourages you to continue your work with confidence, so that communities may flourish in the Italian dioceses where the most vulnerable are welcomed, protected and loved. He entrusts each of you, together with your service, to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing upon you.

I too wish you every success in this initiative, and every blessing for your service to the Church and to society.

I take this opportunity to confirm, with the utmost respect,

Your Most Reverend Eminence

yours devotedly in the Lord

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Secretary of State