There is a direct correlation between the increase in sexual abuse allegations and the papal visit says Adrian Child, Director of Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service (CSAS).
At a press conference, on 28 July, on the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC) for England and Wales annual report, Mr Child said victims of child abuse felt “confident in coming forward” due to the Holy Father’s visit last September.
The chairman of the NCSC, Baroness Scotland said: “The way His Holiness connected with the victims was very direct, and communicated to the wider community in a way that has never been done before. His demonstration of pastoral care is an example that others should emulate. We are listening more acutely to victims’ needs, however we need to be sensitive and patient with those coming forward as every case needs to be looked at individually.”
To read more please click on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales’ link below.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales’ press release on the Annual Report
