During the Extraordinary Plenary Session of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE) held today, the bishops will have the opportunity to read and, if necessary, vote in favor of approving the “Comprehensive Plan for Compensation for Victims of Sexual Abuse of Minors and Minor Persons Equal in Rights” (PRIVA). This plan, drawn up with diverse contributions, aims to provide adequate compensation to victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.
This was stated by Dom Francisco César García Magán, Secretary General of the European Economic Community, during a press conference held on July 4, at the end of the Standing Committee’s work that met on July 2 and 3 at the Episcopal See in Madrid. This was the first meeting of the Standing Committee after its mandate was renewed at the General Assembly held in March.
The PRIVA was prepared by the Advisory Office for the Protection of Minors, and included the comments of the bishops during their various meetings, as well as the ideas contained in the letter to the People of God entitled “Sent to Welcome, Heal and Rebuild.” It was published during the plenary session in November 2023, and nominations from the Episcopal Council for Legal Affairs, the Compliance Body of the Episcopal Conference, and the Spanish Conference of Religious (CONFER) were also considered.
Brother Jesús Miguel Zamora, Secretary General of the Conference, actively participated in the study and approval of PRIVA, together with the bishops of the Permanent Commission. The collaboration between these entities aims to ensure that the plan addresses all the nuances and needs of victims of sexual abuse.
The main objective of the PRIVA programme is to provide full reparation to victims of sexual abuse in the context of the Church, especially in cases where the perpetrator is already deceased or when the case has been statute-barred. The intention is to offer an appropriate and personalized reparation, responding to the specific requirements of each case. The Spanish Bishops’ Conference affirms that this plan is a response to the urgent needs of victims, promoting an environment of welcome, healing and reconstruction.
PRIVA has been developed to incorporate international best practices and recommendations from experts in human rights and psychology. The implementation of the plan will be overseen by an independent committee, which will ensure the transparency and effectiveness of the proposed measures. Furthermore, the plan includes the establishment of a compensation fund to ensure that victims receive appropriate financial and psychological support.
Today’s extraordinary plenary session represents a crucial moment for the European Economic Community. Bishops will have the opportunity to discuss and vote on the final PRIVA text. The plan is expected to be well received and will represent an important step in addressing cases of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church in Spain.
Bishop Francisco César García Magán expressed hope that the plan would be a milestone in the fight against abuse, promoting justice and healing for victims. “This is a crucial moment for the Church in Spain. We are committed to doing everything necessary to repair the damage and provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.”
