Portuguese Catholic Church reaffirms ‘zero tolerance’ policy on sexual abuse

Portugal’s Catholic Church has reaffirmed this Wednesday (June 17) its commitment to a “zero tolerance” approach to sexual abuse and revealed it is reviewing how its national and diocesan safeguarding structures should be organised in the future.

The announcement came after an extraordinary plenary assembly of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP) in Fátima, where bishops discussed the next stage of the Church’s response to abuse cases, most of them involving children.

“Zero tolerance, listening to victims, abuse prevention, training and the promotion of safe environments continue to form part of the priorities and commitments assumed by the Church in Portugal,” the bishops said.

The assembly also examined a proposal concerning the future framework of the diocesan and national bodies responsible for receiving complaints, supporting victims, training personnel and preventing abuse.

While no details were provided about the proposed changes, the bishops indicated that discussions would continue with the structures currently in place.

“Given that we are entering a new phase, dialogue and further consideration of this matter will continue with the structures currently in operation, with a view to defining the most appropriate way to continue this mission,” the statement said.

Earlier this year, the Catholic Church in Portugal announced that some of the victims of child sexual abuse at the hands of priests over the years, would finally be receiving financial compensation, to the tune of more than €1.6 million.

During the meeting, the bishops also approved the composition of the Episcopal Commissions and the Mixed Commission for the 2026-2029 term.

The conference additionally expressed its “deep sorrow” following the killing of Osório Citora Afonso, bishop of Quelimane in Mozambique.

In a message of condolence, the Portuguese bishops offered prayers for his family, friends and the Catholic community in Mozambique, expressing solidarity with the Diocese of Quelimane and all those affected by his death.

Source: LUSA

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.