“This is our real ministry”: Fr. Hans Zollner, S.J., on the Catholic Church’s response to the sexual abuse crises

Author: Gráinne McEvoy

Fr. Hans Zollner 2022 KVL
Fr. Hans Zollner, S.J., delivers the 2022 Keeley Vatican Lecture.

On Tuesday, April 5, the Nanovic Institute for European Studies welcomed Reverend Dr. Hans Zollner, S.J., to deliver the 2022 Keeley Vatican Lecture. A theologian, psychologist, and licensed psychotherapist, Father Zollner is one of the Catholic Church’s leading experts on the safeguarding and protection of minors and vulnerable people from sexual abuse.

In a lecture, titled “How Is the Catholic Church Safeguarding Children? A Perspective After the Recent Developments in Europe,” Father Zollner explored his perspective on a “double crises”: sex abuse by members of the clergy and its coverup by Church authorities. He also reflected on these crises in light of recent European developments including the January 2022 report on abuse and coverup in the Archdiocese of Munich and the war in Ukraine.

The Institute has prepared an event brief that summarizes Father Zollner’s lecture and has made available a live recording for anyone who would like to watch the event.

View or Download the Event Brief

2022 Keeley Vatican Lecture with Fr. Hans Zollner, S.J.