Pope reiterates need to respect rights of children, protect them from danger

Addressing the Organizing Committee of the initiative “From Crisis to Care: Catholic Action for Children,” Pope Leo XIV on Thursday encouraged participants as they continued the work begun at last year’s International Summit on Children’s Rights.

Born from the response to Pope Francis’ urgent call to safeguard the rights, dignity and well-being of children, the Catholic Action for Children Initiative is co-sponsored by Holy See institutions and religious unions with the participation of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and a range of religious congregations, and lay experts.

Working directly with children and families across five continents, it aims to culminate in a public action plan to support Church leaders, communities and partners, with the aim of ensuring that every child grows up in safe, nurturing family care supported by strong, coherent systems.