Father Hans Zollner, a Jesuit and a well-known advocate for protecting children and vulnerable adults from clerical sex abuse, has resigned as a founding member of the Vatican’s safeguarding commission.
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors announced the news on March 29, 2023. Zollner cited “structural and practical issues” within the commission as the reason for his departure.
Zollner is also the director of the Institute of Anthropology: Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care (IADC), hosted by the Pontifical Gregorian University.
He was recently appointed as a consultant to the Diocese of Rome’s new office for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults.
Zollner expressed concerns about the Vatican’s safeguarding commission and its lack of responsibility, compliance, accountability, and transparency.
He believes these principles are essential for any Church institution, especially the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, to uphold.
In response, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the president of the Vatican’s safeguarding commission, issued a statement thanking Zollner for his years of service and acknowledging his decision to step down.
O’Malley praised Zollner’s contribution to the commission and stated that the Holy Father had accepted his resignation with the deepest of thanks.
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors was established in 2014 to advise the pope on how the Church can best protect minors and vulnerable adults.
The commission is led by O’Malley, president, and Father Andrew Small, OMI, secretary, and currently has 19 members.
Zollner expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in decision-making within the commission, including problems with insufficient information and vague communication.
He also highlighted the issue of financial accountability, stating that it is paramount for the commission to clearly show how funds are used in its work.
Father Zollner’s resignation from the Vatican’s safeguarding commission is a significant loss for the Church’s efforts to address clerical sex abuse.
It is a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in safeguarding policies and practices.