Victim Advocate Is Asked To Take Leave From Pontifical Commission on Protection of Minors

Crux reported Saturday that in the Vatican, British sexual abuse survivor Peter Saunders has been asked by other members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors to take a leave of absence from the Commission.  Saunders, appointed to the Commission by Pope Francis last year, has become increasingly critical of the Pope. A Vatican official described the situation, saying that Saunders-- who founded Britain's National Association for People Abused in Childhood-- "has to decide if he's an advocate and campaigner [for survivors] instead of being an adviser." Cardinal Sean O'Malley, head of the Pontifical Commission says he has asked Saunders for advice on a possible victim survivor panel to work with the Commission.