The Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference is taking all possible steps to address the issue of child abuse within the church, according to a statement on Thursday.
“The sexual abuse of minors is unacceptable everywhere, especially in the church,” the statement said, adding that it was taking “every possible measure” to prevent the abuse of minors.
It also apologised to victims on behalf of the abusers. “We feel sympathy and compassion for all those who have suffered harm as children.”
Anyone found to have engaged in abusive acts against minors has no place in the priesthood, the statement said.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference to Set up System for Reporting Sexual Abuse
The Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference said it welcomed the edict of Pope Francis Vos estis lux mundi issued on May 7 requiring every diocese to set up, within a year, a permanent and accessible system for handling reports of abuse.
The Bishops’ Conference plans to operate a reporting system by Oct. 1 in all dioceses.
Featured photo illustration by Zoltán Balogh/MTI