Religious life today is called to make a specific, firm commitment to the protection of minors in the contexts in which it operates. Faithful to its mandate and following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, who devoted special attention to the needy, the weak, and the defenseless, the Order—through the General Minister and his Council—reaffirms its commitment to the defense and promotion of human life, with specific regard to children and youth, through the publication of the Directory for the Protection of Minors.
Objectives and Goals
The directory was conceived as a tool to provide common standards and guidelines applicable throughout the Order, outlining the essential principles to ensure that the commitment to the protection of minors and vulnerable adults is translated into effective action. The document is intended as a guide for the Capuchin Friars and is in line with the efforts of the entire Church to address this sensitive issue in a rigorous and attentive manner.
This document serves as a guide for the Order’s individual circumscriptions and conferences, which, using this directory, must revise or draft their own local protocols for the protection of minors within the next two years. Of particular note is the commitment to training friars, staff, and volunteers on this subject, so that they may act appropriately in both pastoral and educational settings.
Since this is a subject that is constantly evolving, this document may be updated in the future to reflect any new legislative or doctrinal developments and to incorporate practical experience.
For now, the directory is being published in Italian and will formally take effect on April 25, 2026; in the near future, it will be available in the Order’s various official languages.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 |  |