Archbishop Verny's 2019 Protocol Transforms French Church's Response to Abuse
Archbishop Thibault Verny of Chambéry, a prominent figure in France, has been instrumental in strengthening the Catholic Church's response to sexual abuse. In 2019, he established a protocol to streamline the reporting of abuse cases to civil authorities, significantly enhancing investigation accuracy and speed.
Before Archbishop Verny's initiative, bishops in France were obligated to report abuse cases but could conduct internal investigations due to legal loopholes. Now, most French dioceses are fully integrated into the republic's civil and judicial structures, ensuring they operate under the same laws as everyone else.
Verny, 59, is well-known for his firm stance against abusers. He previously served as president of the Council for the Prevention and Fight Against Pedophilia within the French bishops' conference. His leadership has been crucial in implementing the recommendations of the CIASE report, published in October 2021, which had a profound impact on France's efforts to combat sexual abuse in the church. Prior to the report's publication, 18 dioceses, including Paris, had signed procedural agreements with the judiciary.
Archbishop Verny's commitment to combating sexual abuse within the Catholic Church has led to significant improvements in France's response to these crimes. His establishment of the 2019 protocol and his role in implementing the CIASE report's recommendations have brought the church's handling of abuse cases in line with civil justice, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
