Pope Leo XIV on Saturday June 5, 2025, named Archbishop Thibault Verny to head the Commission for the Protection of Minors, a move assuring his efforts in reinstating the global church’s reputation on matters surrounding clergy’s involvement in sexual abuse cases on minors.

Verny, who is the Archbishop of Chambery and Bishop of Maurienne and Tarentaise, will succeed Sean Patrick O’Malley of Boston in the role.

The Pope’s move assures his continued commitment to fight sexual abuse scandals involving clergy men around the globe, an issue that has stained the church’s credibility among the faithful.

The preceding improprieties have led to lawsuits, legal battles, and several resignations of bishops. This is also a step towards strengthening and ensuring the smooth running of the 2014-established commission by Pope Francis.

The Archbishop, while accepting the appointment, promised to take the mandate head on, and ensure success of the commission.

“We will ensure equitable sharing of resources all around the world, and uphold the highest standard of protection for all, regardless of geographic location,” he said in a statement.

The 55-year-old bishop first joined the commission in 2022, leading efforts against child abuse within the French Bishops’ Conference.

His predecessor, O’malley, lauded the appointment, terming Verny as a “committed and collaborative leader, ready to spearhead the global adoption of and safeguarding to the best of his ability and ensure the protection of all under the church’s care, around the world.”