Statement from Bishop Malone on the Pope's Meeting

"The Protection of Minors in the Church, Vatican, February 21-24, 2019"

Today at the Vatican, Pope Francis and the presidents of every Episcopal Conference from around the world are gathering to begin an unprecedented summit meeting to discuss the sexual abuse crisis within the Church.  I, along with my brother bishops in New York State and across the United States, pray this gathering will result in greater steps to assist victims on the journey of healing and for the people of the Church throughout the world - to restore and rebuild faith, hope and trust.

The summit at the Vatican has three important overarching themes:  responsibility, accountability, and transparency.  I commit myself, the priests, deacons, religious, and laity of our diocese to continue to ensure that responsibility, accountability and transparency are primary and in the forefront of all we do in our ministry.  I also look forward to the results and directions given by the summit and am grateful that Pope Francis is leading this effort to address the global crisis.  I invite all to pray for him and all those gathered at the Vatican - for Jesus, the Divine Healer and the Holy Spirit, the Comforter to guide and inspire them.

As previously announced in the WNY Catholic, March 2019 will begin a Year of Healing and Prayer across our diocese.  Throughout this year, I encourage all to join me in prayer and action to bring true healing to victims and for the forgiveness necessary for us all to move into a new day of hope and renewal.

The following is a link to the official website for the Rome meeting:

http://www.pbc2019.org