Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Thibault Verny of France as the new head of the Vatican's child protection advisory commission, reinforcing the Church's commitment to addressing clergy sexual abuse.

Verny succeeds Cardinal Seán Patrick O'Malley, who has been a prominent advocate against pedocriminality and reached the age limit for the position.

Verny stated that the commission will prioritize supporting local churches, particularly those struggling with protective measures, and ensuring fair resource distribution to uphold high protection standards.

Pope Leo XIV has called for a 'culture of prevention' within the Church to eradicate any form of abuse, aligning with Verny's mission.

Cardinal O'Malley praised Verny's appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in advocating for victims and collaborating with law enforcement to ensure accountability within the Church.

A recent report from the Commission outlines ongoing risks and recommendations for enhancing child protection efforts, following Pope Francis's request for reliable information on necessary changes.

Pope Leo XIV made this significant appointment just before departing for a six-week vacation at the papal summer retreat.

Verny emphasized the need for vigilance, responsibility, and compassion in the Church's mission to protect the vulnerable, describing his new role as a 'serious and sacred task'.

This leadership change is viewed as a 'new start' in tackling the Church's challenges related to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The appointment aims to strengthen efforts against pedocriminality, a critical issue facing the Catholic community today.

As head of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, Verny is tasked with addressing scandals that have affected the Catholic Church globally, including in Germany.

Verny's previous work includes conducting annual audits of the French church's services for abuse victims, following a 2021 report estimating that 330,000 children in France were abused by church personnel over seven decades.