The Church has no place for those who abuse minors and families must be reassured their children are safe, Pope Francis wrote in a letter.

“Families need to know that the Church is making every effort to protect their children. They should also know that they have every right to turn to the Church with full confidence, for it is a safe and secure home. Consequently, priority must not be given to any other kind of concern, whatever its nature, such as the desire to avoid scandal, since there is absolutely no place in ministry for those who abuse minors,” he wrote.

The letter was addressed to president of the Episcopal Conference and superiors of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life and released by the Maltese Curia yesterday.

In the letter, Pope Francis called for their collaboration with the Commission for the Protection of Minors set up last March to offer proposals and initiatives.

“At my meeting in July with persons who had suffered sexual abuse by priests, I was deeply moved by their witness to the depth of their sufferings and the strength of their faith,” the Pope said.

He added that it was the responsibility of diocesan bishops and major superiors to ensure that the safety of minors and vulnerable adults in parishes and other Church institutions.

Support to victims was also important through programmes for pastoral care which could include provisions for psychological assistance and spiritual care. Pastors and those in charge of religious communities should be available to meet with victims and their loved ones.

Last month, the Maltese Church launched the new Safeguarding Commission tasked with investigating allegations of sexual abuse by members of the Church.