The Provincial Safeguarding Representatives of the European Conference held their third in-person meeting in Rodizio, Lisbon, from 28th September to 2nd October. We gathered at the Casa de Exercícios de Santo Inácio (St Ignatius’ House) and spent 4 days and nights sharing experiences, challenges and best practice from our safeguarding work throughout the year.  There was a special focus this year on the topic of Spiritual Abuse. Research currently being conducted within the Spanish Province was shared with us, along with an external academic expert  facilitating our sessions for half a day, after which we discussed our common understanding and commitment towards countering the issue of Spiritual Abuse through creating safer environments within the Society of Jesus.  The Safeguarding Delegates from each of the 15 provinces which were represented gave input into positive and promising safeguarding initiatives they have been involved in over the course of the year. Just as in previous years, we found great benefits in spending time together in person to discuss individually and in a group the various issues we face within the Society, highlighting practical solutions whilst respecting the confidentiality of everyone involved.   There was a return also to the topic of the PCCP (Promotion of a Consistent Culture of Protection) Online Training Programme, which had completed its pilot phase across Europe between the months of February and April of this year, with input, reflection and an introduction to the next phase given by Fr. John Guiney and Dr. Sandra Racionero-Plaza. We were delighted also to have with us the Director of JECSE (Jesuit European Committee for Primary and Secondary Education), Agnieszka Baran, who gave us an overview of feedback on the programme by a cross section of participants which will help shape the programme going forward. A special thanks to the Portuguese Province for inviting and hosting us this year, and to the steering committee for the time spent in preparing this event: Tomaž Mikuš SJ. (SVN), Julie Ashby-Ellis (BRI) and especially a big thank you to Sofia Marques (POR) for the amazing work put into organising the logistics of the event and for making the experience a truly unifying and memorable occasion. A big thank you (and welcome) to the new JCEP Socius, Gonzalo Villagrán SJ., for his warm presence and expert facilitation and input throughout our meetings.  We are especially grateful for the opportunity to visit Fátima and to have some moments for private prayer and reflection, and a wonderful Mass to energise and inspire us as we continue forward in our joint mission.  Brian Cranmer Safeguarding Coordinator JCEP.

The Society of Jesus is deeply committed to fostering a culture of safeguarding. In the current Apostolic Plan of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP), the major superiors pledged to promote this culture within their communities and works by sharing training, resources, and best practices. This commitment also includes the ongoing formation of the major superiors themselves. As the Universal Apostolic Preferences remind us, we are called to “help eliminate abuses inside and outside the Church, seeking to ensure that victims are heard and properly helped, that justice is done, and that harm is healed.” With this in mind, JCEP organized a webinar on safeguarding, held on 3 September 2025, with more than 20 major superiors and their socii participating. This session focused on the sensitive and complex topic of accompanying Jesuits who are accused, both during and after the process. The keynote speaker presented practices developed by the JCCU, while three other contributors shared insights and experiences from different provinces and regions across Europe. A central theme running through all the presentations was the importance of discernment, courage, and cura personalis in addressing cases of profound pain and broken trust. Participants highlighted the need to uphold justice for victims while respecting the dignity of every person, acknowledging that abuse leaves lifelong consequences for all involved. The discussions also underscored the need for superiors to have expert support, clear guidelines, and well-defined measures, as well as the strength of accompanying teams and companions.

Under the title "Men and Women for Others: Promoting a Consistent Culture of Protection in Jesuit Universities," an event was held on January 29 at Loyola Andalucía University. The event was inaugurated by Rector Magnificus Fabián Gómez-Estern, who then gave the floor to Father Provincial Enric Puiggrós, SJ. The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Sandra Racionero, Deputy Coordinator of the "Promoting a Consistent Culture of Protection" (PCCP) Project, led by Fr. John Guiney, SJ. This initiative was created in response to the mandate entrusted to the Superior General by the 36th General Congregation, calling for "a consistent culture of protection" across all works of the Society of Jesus. Dr. Racionero explained the PCCP program, its achievements to date, and its future objectives. This initiative, under the umbrella of the Secretariat for Social Justice and Ecology (SJES), serves as a tool that integrates scientific evidence on abuse prevention with Ignatian spirituality. The event concluded with remarks from Gema Tomás, Head of Training for the Safe Environment System of the Spanish Province, who highlighted the steps taken in response to the Superior General’s directive to the Provincials. Efforts have been intensified by transitioning from individual delegates to collaborative working teams. Given the high priority placed on the Safe Environment System in the Spanish Province, a dedicated team has been formed for the current academic year, consisting of: Susana Pradera – Victim support José Ovies – Protocol development Gema Tomás – Training management Valeska Ferrer – Information management Fr. José María R. Olaizola, SJ – Team coordinator This marks a new phase aimed at ensuring that Jesuit institutions are safe spaces, built on healthy relationships and trust. Training in PCCP will be integrated with existing formation programs, recognizing the significant efforts already undertaken. The Society of Jesus offers PCCP as a global resource to help achieve this goal. Looking ahead to 2025, a PCCP pilot training program will be launched within EDUCSI, with participation from various sectors, particularly the educational network. In the near future, Jesuit universities will also align their training efforts with this consistent culture of protection.

It was my first time to meet everyone, being new to the role. And it was an honour. The Provincial Safeguarding Representatives of the European Conference have been working closely together for over two years, and this was their second time meeting in person at the annual Safeguarding meeting. We gathered at the Carmelite Mission, in the beautiful city of Barcelona, from the 21st to 25th October. Our 3-day programme was officially opened by Enric Puiggròs, SJ., the Spanish Provincial, who share his experience and challenges with us. During the following days together the safeguarding delegates from each of the 13 provinces which were represented gave an overview of the safeguarding work that they have been involved in over the course of the year. Despite coming from diverse sub-regions of the continent, with varied cultures and historical contexts, we found important common ground through the sharing of our obstacles and challenges, as well as our progress and best practices. There was a special focus on healing and accompaniment. Fr. John Guiney and Dr. Sandra Racionero-Plaza presented an update on the status and content of the PCCP (Promotion of a Consistent Culture of Protection) Programme, soon to begin its pilot phase in 4 schools in Europe, as well as in all other Conference at a global level. For me, it was a time of learning, of great humility and spiritual reflection, energised by a shared dedication and commitment to safeguarding, as we continue to build our community of practice within the European Conference. A special thanks to the organising committee for this event: Susana Pradera, Tomaz Mikus, SJ., and Julie Ashby-Ellis. And to the JCEP Socius, Hermínio Rico, SJ., for his presence and guidance throughout. We concluded our meeting with a reflection of where we feel we are at as a community, and of our shared hope and ambition for the year ahead: “Dear Lord, Teach us to be close and attentive to those who ask for and expect our care. Teach us to be a passageway for your love and care for every whole and fragile person. ….. to welcome and care for the beauty of the earth so that everyone feels like a beloved son or daughter” - P. José Maria Brito, SJ.   Brian Cranmer Safeguarding Coordinator JCEP.

On April 25, 2023, the Ignatianum University in Krakow hosted a Scientific Symposium entitled "The Crime of Pedophilic Acts: Social, Therapeutic, and Legal Aspects" organized by the Child Protection Center (COD). The event took place on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of COD. The symposium was held under the honorary patronage of Archbishop Wojciech Polak, the Primate of Poland, Monika Hornej-Cieślak, the Ombudsman for Children's Rights, and Professor Tomasz Homa, the Rector of Ignatianum University. The introductory speeches were delivered by: Dr. Krzysztof Biel SJ, Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy at Ignatianum University Dr. Adam Żak, Director of COD Professor Tomasz Homa, Rector of Ignatianum University Monika Hornej-Cieślak, Ombudsman for Children's Rights, with a lecture on "Child Protection in the Light of the Kamilka Act" The sexual exploitation of minors is a global social problem. Recent reports on the scale of the phenomenon indicate a continuous increase in cases of sexual violence against children and youth, despite increasingly restrictive legal regulations aimed at perpetrators. The aim of the symposium was to reflect on the phenomenon of child sexual exploitation in its three aspects: social, therapeutic, and legal, and to seek new possibilities for preventing these crimes, also at the legal level. The above topics were discussed within three thematic panels.The first panel focused on the social aspect. In the social sphere, attention was drawn to the scale of the phenomenon, risk factors for becoming a victim, and possible aspects of prevention. The speakers included: Dr. Krzysztof Biel, Ignatianum University Dr. Monika Sajkowska, FDDS Mgr Sławomir Nowotny, ISKK The panel was moderated by Dr. Krzysztof Biel SJ. The second panel concentrated on the therapeutic aspect. The discussion revolved around the effects of sexual exploitation of minors and proposals for therapeutic interventions for victims of pedophilic acts. The speakers in the second panel included: Dr. Barbara Smolińska, Dialogue Workshop Professor Bogdan de Barbaro, Fundacja Na Szlaku Mgr Tomasz Franc OP (moderator) The third panel discussed the adequacy and effectiveness of legal regulations in the field of criminal and canon law. During the third panel, speakers examined the latest legal provisions. The speakers included: Professor Paweł Wiliński, Adam Mickiewicz University - Fundamental rights of the victim. Foundation and minimum standard Dr. Jan Dohnalik, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University - Canon law on sexual exploitation of minors and the vulnerable - where are we and where are we heading The panel was moderated by Professor Hanna Suchocka, Adam Mickiewicz University.

We already knew each other well, for we had been meeting online every couple of months for nearly two years, so when we met for the first time face to face in Paris there was little need for introductions. We were the CEP province delegates for safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults who met in Paris between the 16th and 18th October. We were 15 in all: the president and socius of the Conference plus the delegates of twelve European Provinces. Six of the 13 delegates were lay, five women and one man. We all work in the same field, but in very different social, cultural and legal contexts. Like all similar meetings, these were a very enriching three days: we shared our experience of what succeeds and what we find most difficult, the challenges of formation for the construction of what the Society calls ‘a new culture of safeguarding’. How do you deal with the victims of abuse, what do they seek from us? How do you motivate elderly Jesuits – and those in formation – to engage in this process? So many questions, with or without clear answers, but there is no doubt that the Society in Europe is seriously engaged in the building of a new culture of safeguarding, of offering safe spaces to those who come to us. A big thanks goes to the organising committee, and to the EOF curia, especially the socius Gregoire Le Bel, for their wonderful hospitality and the lovely boat ride along the Seine. Paul Pace Socius EUM