A Gathering that included Cardinals Bishops and lay people from more than 110 countries did not take a stand on inclusion of the LGBTQ plus Community despite discussion that it might call on the church to be more welcoming. However the gathering did called for women to be granted more leadership roles in the church.

Vatican Summit Of Global Catholic Leaders

By: Anshu Dubey

“When you feel caught in the web of childhood abuse, find words to describe it. Write them. Say them. Express them. In safe places, with safe people.” 
&nbsp; 
Words of Jeanne McElvaney, but widely believed by several others who faced a similar fate and survived it. Marie Collins, a brave heart who led a traumatic childhood due to sexual abuse at the tender age of 13 years, fought with it all her life and obtained victory after her abuser, a priest, was punished by law.

As the entire world looked at the Vatican City where Pope Francis hosted a 4-day meeting on Clerical sex abuse which concluded on Feb 24, WION spoke exclusively with the iron-willed woman Marie Collins on the highly complicated matter. 
&nbsp; 
Read on for the excerpts from Collins interview who also has been a former member of Francis' papal commission on clergy sexual abuse and a survivor herself.

How do you estimate the current Global abuse summit as an initiative, as a forum for redressal? Does it infuse hope and Is the summit in the right direction?

The presentations at the summit have been dealing clearly with the issue and indicate that strong measures need to be taken by the church in regard to safeguarding, transparency and accountability. However, we need to see these measures are actually put in place before we can say the summit is a success. 
&nbsp; 
How complex, longstanding and big is the issue of church sexual abuse?

The first mention of child abuse by clergy and religious in the church can be found in centuries-old documents. &nbsp;In modern times it began to become a public issue in the mid-1980s in Australia, Ireland and the USA. It grew in public awareness in the 1990’s here in Ireland it became a very high profile issue with the first call for a state enquiry coming in 2001.

Similarly, it became a public issue in Australia in the 1990s. &nbsp;In 2002 the Spotlight (film) exposure of the huge cover-up of abuse in Boston in the USA really brought it to the fore. &nbsp;

All the enquiries and subsequent reports that have occurred so far have concluded that child abuse has been prevalent in all areas of the Catholic Church but has been covered up and perpetrator protected in order to “protect the Church from scandal”. &nbsp;

The most recent report with statistics came from the German bishops in September 2018 it was found cases of 3,677 children were abused by about 1,670 clerics over nearly 70 years up to 2014. 
&nbsp; 
You were a victim of sexual abuse at a very young age. How difficult was it to deal with it as a child and alongside informing about it to your family?

I was sexually abused by a Catholic priest while a patient in a children's’ hospital. &nbsp;It completely changed my life. I had been a confident child but lost all confidence in myself, felt worthless and turned in on myself pushing everyone away. 
&nbsp; 
You went into paralysis and had a tough time in your hospital days. How normal (if at all) did your life become post returning from the hospital and surviving the trauma you went through?

I suffered psychological problems from the time of my abuse for many, many years – severe anxiety, panic attacks, deep depressions and an inability to trust which destroyed relationships. &nbsp;I did not tell anyone for 25 years. &nbsp; &nbsp;

My life did not return to what would be seen as normal until after my abuser was jailed and I had a couple of years of therapy. &nbsp;By then I was 50 years of age but life then became good and I could enjoy everyday thing in the same way as others. 
&nbsp; 
Did you get any support from the papal committee after you came out publicly about your ordeal?

The Commission thanked me publicly for the work I had done while a member. &nbsp;I received supportive messages from former colleagues on the Commission. 
&nbsp; 
Dealing with such crime in places of religion and faith has always been a challenge for the lawkeepers, Do you think, it needs a more specialised or in fact a more stringent provision of punishment?

Those who commit crimes against children should be treated in the same way by the law whether they are clerics or lay people. &nbsp;Being a priest is not an excuse it is worse even as they are in a position of trust. &nbsp;The sexual abuse of a child is a dreadful crime as it can destroy many years of their adult life as it did mine. 
&nbsp; 
Why didn’t you ever try to take the help of the legal system when you eventually found the courage to speak about your situation?

I did cooperate with the police when I reported my abuse. &nbsp;In 1995 I reported it to the church and to the hospital where it happened. &nbsp;The church did nothing but the hospital reported it to the police and I made statements to them and helped in every way I could in their investigations. &nbsp;

My abuser Fr. Paul McGennis was found guilty of my abuse and jailed in 1997.

He was jailed again some years later for the abuse of other girls subsequent to mine. 
&nbsp; 
What acted as a catalyst to mark your exit from the Papal Committee?

The Vatican refused to implement the Commission recommendations for better safeguarding policy and for accountability of bishops but the final straw for me was when they refused a recommendation from the Commission that they always acknowledge correspondence from survivors. &nbsp;

They would not do this. &nbsp;I could not stay working with the church while they were telling the world they cared for the healing of survivors but were refusing to reply to letters from those survivors, causing them to hurt and feelings of rejection. 
&nbsp; 
What kind of response did you get when you started your organisation Marie Collins Foundation?

The Marie Collins Foundation is completely separate from my work on the issue of children abused within the Catholic Church. &nbsp;It is an organisation working to support victims of grooming, abuse or exploitation through the internet or mobile technology. &nbsp;It works also to improve the safety of children on the internet. &nbsp;

My reason for working in this area is the fact abusive images were taken of me during my abuse and I know what a sickening extra burden this puts on a victim. 
&nbsp; 
Considering that the issue of sexual abuse is predominant across the world, what do you think is the possible solution to fight such a pervert mentality?

Abuse of children is a blight on society in all areas of the world. &nbsp;Just dealing with it through the criminal law is not enough there must be in depth work done on prevention and reaching and identifying potential perpetrators before they have abused. 
&nbsp; 
You have travelled a very long way from being a minor sexual abuse survivor to a face of rebellion against the perverted mindset masked by an allegedly sacred veil and now we see a solution- provider. What would be your message for women of all ages across the globe?

My one message to any woman or man who has been exploited sexually in any way is not to stay silent, speak out, seek help and support others. &nbsp;Abuse thrives on secrecy. &nbsp;Abusers depend on it to facilitate further abuse. &nbsp;Those victims who keep their experience secret can suffer detrimental effects on their mental health and accessing therapy can make a great difference in their lives.

By: Anshu Dubey “When you feel caught in the web of childhood abuse, find words to describe it. Write them. Say them. Express them. In safe places, with safe people.

By: Anshu Dubey “When you feel caught in the web of childhood abuse, find words to describe it. Write them. Say them. Express them. In safe places, with safe people.” Words of Jeanne McElvaney, but widely believed by several others who faced a similar fate and survived it. Marie Collins, a brave heart who led a traumatic childhood due to sexual abuse at the tender age of 13 years, fought with it all her life and obtained victory after her abuser, a priest, was punished by law. As the entire world looked at the Vatican City where Pope Francis hosted a 4-day meeting on Clerical sex abuse which concluded on Feb 24, WION spoke exclusively with the iron-willed woman Marie Collins on the highly complicated matter. Read on for the excerpts from Collins interview who also has been a former member of Francis' papal commission on clergy sexual abuse and a survivor herself. How do you estimate the current Global abuse summit as an initiative, as a forum for redressal? Does it infuse hope and Is the summit in the right direction? The presentations at the summit have been dealing clearly with the issue and indicate that strong measures need to be taken by the church in regard to safeguarding, transparency and accountability. However, we need to see these measures are actually put in place before we can say the summit is a success. How complex, longstanding and big is the issue of church sexual abuse? The first mention of child abuse by clergy and religious in the church can be found in centuries-old documents. In modern times it began to become a public issue in the mid-1980s in Australia, Ireland and the USA. It grew in public awareness in the 1990’s here in Ireland it became a very high profile issue with the first call for a state enquiry coming in 2001. Similarly, it became a public issue in Australia in the 1990s. In 2002 the Spotlight (film) exposure of the huge cover-up of abuse in Boston in the USA really brought it to the fore. All the enquiries and subsequent reports that have occurred so far have concluded that child abuse has been prevalent in all areas of the Catholic Church but has been covered up and perpetrator protected in order to “protect the Church from scandal”. The most recent report with statistics came from the German bishops in September 2018 it was found cases of 3,677 children were abused by about 1,670 clerics over nearly 70 years up to 2014. You were a victim of sexual abuse at a very young age. How difficult was it to deal with it as a child and alongside informing about it to your family? I was sexually abused by a Catholic priest while a patient in a children's’ hospital. It completely changed my life. I had been a confident child but lost all confidence in myself, felt worthless and turned in on myself pushing everyone away. You went into paralysis and had a tough time in your hospital days. How normal (if at all) did your life become post returning from the hospital and surviving the trauma you went through? I suffered psychological problems from the time of my abuse for many, many years – severe anxiety, panic attacks, deep depressions and an inability to trust which destroyed relationships. I did not tell anyone for 25 years. My life did not return to what would be seen as normal until after my abuser was jailed and I had a couple of years of therapy. By then I was 50 years of age but life then became good and I could enjoy everyday thing in the same way as others. Did you get any support from the papal committee after you came out publicly about your ordeal? The Commission thanked me publicly for the work I had done while a member. I received supportive messages from former colleagues on the Commission. Dealing with such crime in places of religion and faith has always been a challenge for the lawkeepers, Do you think, it needs a more specialised or in fact a more stringent provision of punishment? Those who commit crimes against children should be treated in the same way by the law whether they are clerics or lay people. Being a priest is not an excuse it is worse even as they are in a position of trust. The sexual abuse of a child is a dreadful crime as it can destroy many years of their adult life as it did mine. Why didn’t you ever try to take the help of the legal system when you eventually found the courage to speak about your situation? I did cooperate with the police when I reported my abuse. In 1995 I reported it to the church and to the hospital where it happened. The church did nothing but the hospital reported it to the police and I made statements to them and helped in every way I could in their investigations. My abuser Fr. Paul McGennis was found guilty of my abuse and jailed in 1997. He was jailed again some years later for the abuse of other girls subsequent to mine. What acted as a catalyst to mark your exit from the Papal Committee? The Vatican refused to implement the Commission recommendations for better safeguarding policy and for accountability of bishops but the final straw for me was when they refused a recommendation from the Commission that they always acknowledge correspondence from survivors. They would not do this. I could not stay working with the church while they were telling the world they cared for the healing of survivors but were refusing to reply to letters from those survivors, causing them to hurt and feelings of rejection. What kind of response did you get when you started your organisation Marie Collins Foundation? The Marie Collins Foundation is completely separate from my work on the issue of children abused within the Catholic Church. It is an organisation working to support victims of grooming, abuse or exploitation through the internet or mobile technology. It works also to improve the safety of children on the internet. My reason for working in this area is the fact abusive images were taken of me during my abuse and I know what a sickening extra burden this puts on a victim. Considering that the issue of sexual abuse is predominant across the world, what do you think is the possible solution to fight such a pervert mentality? Abuse of children is a blight on society in all areas of the world. Just dealing with it through the criminal law is not enough there must be in depth work done on prevention and reaching and identifying potential perpetrators before they have abused. You have travelled a very long way from being a minor sexual abuse survivor to a face of rebellion against the perverted mindset masked by an allegedly sacred veil and now we see a solution- provider. What would be your message for women of all ages across the globe? My one message to any woman or man who has been exploited sexually in any way is not to stay silent, speak out, seek help and support others. Abuse thrives on secrecy. Abusers depend on it to facilitate further abuse. Those victims who keep their experience secret can suffer detrimental effects on their mental health and accessing therapy can make a great difference in their lives.

'Being a priest is not an excuse', Irish abuse survivor rests hope in the Vatican Summit

Pope Francis on Sunday compared the sexual abuse of children to human sacrifice as he <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-popes-abuse-summit-church-seeks-to-fix-systematic-failures-199003">addressed the Catholic Church's top bishops at the end of a landmark summit </a>to tackle paedophilia.

"Our work has made us realise once again that the gravity of the scourge of the sexual abuse of minors is, and historically has been, a widespread phenomenon in all cultures and societies," he said.

"I am reminded of the cruel religious practice, once widespread in certain cultures, of sacrificing human beings – frequently children – in pagan rites," he added.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-guidelines-for-concrete-change-over-sex-abuse-198812"> Pope Francis gives guidelines for concrete change over sex abuse</a>

Francis was speaking after a four-day meeting which he had opened by calling for "concrete measures" on tackling priests and handing 114 senior bishops a roadmap to shape the debate on how to stop a global scandal.

"If in the Church there should emerge even a single case of abuse – which already in itself represents an atrocity – that case will be faced with the utmost seriousness".

Pope Francis also&nbsp;called on&nbsp;for an "all-out battle" against a crime he called abominably and that should be "erased from the face of the earth".

"I make a heartfelt appeal for an all-out battle against the abuse of minors both sexually and in other areas, on the part of all authorities and individuals, for we are dealing with abominable crimes that must be erased from the face of the earth. This is demanded by all the many victims hidden in families and in the various settings of our societies."

He also vowed that the Roman Catholic Church would "spare no effort" to bring abusers to justice and will not cover up or underestimate abuse.

"Here I would reaffirm that the Church will spare no effort to do all that is necessary to bring to justice who has committed such crimes. The Church will never seek to hush up or not take seriously any case. It is convinced that the sins and crimes of consecrated people are further tainted by infidelity and shame. They disfigure the countenance of the Church and undermine its credibility."

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/victims-testify-at-child-sex-abuse-conference-pope-promises-to-fight-enemy-within-198921">ongoing scandals have hit countries around the world</a>, with recent cases affecting Australia, Chile, Germany and the US.

Francis said those who priests who prey on children are "tools of Satan".

"No explanations suffice for these abuses involving children," the Argentine pontiff said.

"The echo of the silent cry of the little ones who, instead of finding in them fathers and spiritual guides encountered tormentors, will shake hearts dulled by hypocrisy and by power.

"It is our duty to pay close heed to this silent, choked cry," he added.

Pope Francis on Sunday compared the sexual abuse of children to human sacrifice as he addressed the Catholic Church's top bishops at the end of a landmark summit to tackle paedophilia.

Pope Francis on Sunday compared the sexual abuse of children to human sacrifice as he addressed the Catholic Church's top bishops at the end of a landmark summit to tackle paedophilia. "Our work has made us realise once again that the gravity of the scourge of the sexual abuse of minors is, and historically has been, a widespread phenomenon in all cultures and societies," he said. "I am reminded of the cruel religious practice, once widespread in certain cultures, of sacrificing human beings – frequently children – in pagan rites," he added. Also read: Pope Francis gives guidelines for concrete change over sex abuse Francis was speaking after a four-day meeting which he had opened by calling for "concrete measures" on tackling priests and handing 114 senior bishops a roadmap to shape the debate on how to stop a global scandal. "If in the Church there should emerge even a single case of abuse – which already in itself represents an atrocity – that case will be faced with the utmost seriousness". Pope Francis also called on for an "all-out battle" against a crime he called abominably and that should be "erased from the face of the earth". "I make a heartfelt appeal for an all-out battle against the abuse of minors both sexually and in other areas, on the part of all authorities and individuals, for we are dealing with abominable crimes that must be erased from the face of the earth. This is demanded by all the many victims hidden in families and in the various settings of our societies." He also vowed that the Roman Catholic Church would "spare no effort" to bring abusers to justice and will not cover up or underestimate abuse. "Here I would reaffirm that the Church will spare no effort to do all that is necessary to bring to justice who has committed such crimes. The Church will never seek to hush up or not take seriously any case. It is convinced that the sins and crimes of consecrated people are further tainted by infidelity and shame. They disfigure the countenance of the Church and undermine its credibility." The ongoing scandals have hit countries around the world, with recent cases affecting Australia, Chile, Germany and the US. Francis said those who priests who prey on children are "tools of Satan". "No explanations suffice for these abuses involving children," the Argentine pontiff said. "The echo of the silent cry of the little ones who, instead of finding in them fathers and spiritual guides encountered tormentors, will shake hearts dulled by hypocrisy and by power. "It is our duty to pay close heed to this silent, choked cry," he added.

Pope Francis compares child sex abuse to 'human sacrifice'

Pope Francis on Thursday handed the world's top Catholic bishops guidelines to shape the debate at a landmark Vatican summit on tackling clerical sex abuse.

"As a help, I would share with you some important criteria formulated by the various episcopal commissions and conferences -- they came from you and I have organised them somewhat," he said as the meeting began.

"They are guidelines to assist in our reflection. They are a simple point of departure that came from you and now return to you. They are not meant to detract from the creativity needed in this meeting," he added.

The Vatican has said any concrete changes will come post-summit when it will "identify the proposals that resulted from the meeting and the tasks that need to be accomplished, so that the proposals are transformed into actual practice".

Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna, one of the summit's organisers, described the proposals as "a roadmap for the future development of policy", and said they "govern all aspects of getting it right".

Here are some of the guidelines, some of which may already be in place in some countries, but not others:

- Draw up mandatory codes of conduct for all clerics, &nbsp;service personnel and volunteers, to determine appropriate boundaries in personal relationships. And check their criminal record.

- Flag up the dangers of abuse and its effects, how to recognise signs of abuse and how to report suspected sexual abuse, all in collaboration with parents, teachers, professionals and civil authorities.

- Make it easy for victims to report abuse to an independent body separate from the local church authority.

- Draw up a practical guide which specifies the steps to be taken at key moments when a case emerges.

- Implement common procedures for investigating claims and protecting victims and the rights to defence of those accused.

- Inform civil and church authorities in line with civil and canonical law.

- Periodically revise protocols and rules to ensure a protected environment for minors in all pastoral structures.

- Protection and care for victims.

- Increase awareness of the causes and consequences of abuse through ongoing training of all clerics and religious workers.

- Include lay experts in investigations and canonical trials into sexual abuse or abuse of power.

- Protect the right of presumption of innocence, not publishing the names of the accused until a final verdict is reached.

- Rule that priests and bishops found guilty of the sexual abuse of children be stripped of their ministries.

- Carry out professional psychological evaluations of would-be priests.

- Draw up rules on the transfer of priests or student priests from one diocese or seminary to another.

Pope Francis on Thursday handed the world's top Catholic bishops guidelines to shape the debate at a landmark Vatican summit on tackling clerical sex abuse. "As a help, I would share with you some important criteria formulated by the various episcopal commissions and conferences -- they came from you and I have organised them somewhat," he said as the meeting began.

Pope Francis on Thursday handed the world's top Catholic bishops guidelines to shape the debate at a landmark Vatican summit on tackling clerical sex abuse. "As a help, I would share with you some important criteria formulated by the various episcopal commissions and conferences -- they came from you and I have organised them somewhat," he said as the meeting began. "They are guidelines to assist in our reflection. They are a simple point of departure that came from you and now return to you. They are not meant to detract from the creativity needed in this meeting," he added. The Vatican has said any concrete changes will come post-summit when it will "identify the proposals that resulted from the meeting and the tasks that need to be accomplished, so that the proposals are transformed into actual practice". Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna, one of the summit's organisers, described the proposals as "a roadmap for the future development of policy", and said they "govern all aspects of getting it right". Here are some of the guidelines, some of which may already be in place in some countries, but not others: - Draw up mandatory codes of conduct for all clerics, service personnel and volunteers, to determine appropriate boundaries in personal relationships. And check their criminal record. - Flag up the dangers of abuse and its effects, how to recognise signs of abuse and how to report suspected sexual abuse, all in collaboration with parents, teachers, professionals and civil authorities. - Make it easy for victims to report abuse to an independent body separate from the local church authority. - Draw up a practical guide which specifies the steps to be taken at key moments when a case emerges. - Implement common procedures for investigating claims and protecting victims and the rights to defence of those accused. - Inform civil and church authorities in line with civil and canonical law. - Periodically revise protocols and rules to ensure a protected environment for minors in all pastoral structures. - Protection and care for victims. - Increase awareness of the causes and consequences of abuse through ongoing training of all clerics and religious workers. - Include lay experts in investigations and canonical trials into sexual abuse or abuse of power. - Protect the right of presumption of innocence, not publishing the names of the accused until a final verdict is reached. - Rule that priests and bishops found guilty of the sexual abuse of children be stripped of their ministries. - Carry out professional psychological evaluations of would-be priests. - Draw up rules on the transfer of priests or student priests from one diocese or seminary to another.

Pope Francis gives guidelines for concrete change over sex abuse

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Vatican Summit Of Global Catholic Leaders

'Being a priest is not an excuse', Irish abuse survivor rests hope in the Vatican Summit

Pope Francis compares child sex abuse to 'human sacrifice'

Pope Francis gives guidelines for concrete change over sex abuse