“Path of Truth”: an update on recent developments and steps taken
In order to enhance clarity, continuity and transparency, the Euro-Mediterranean Province of the Society of Jesus is releasing this update on the “Path of Truth” (Cammino di verità) process and ongoing initiatives.
The initial decision not to publish in full the Final Report of Grazia Villani was taken in order to reorganise the material collected so as to better safeguard the sensitivities of the individuals who had come forward to tell their story and reduce risk of further painful exposure and re-victimisation. As stated in previous communications, the document “Findings Emerging from the Path of Truth” (Relazione Conclusiva a partire dal Camino di Verità) included all of the facts contained in Villani’s Final Report.
This decision gave rise to numerous questions from some of the people involved and from certain journalists. In responding to the requests for clarification, it has become clear that there was inadequate public communication regarding the management of the process of reworking the material. This fueled doubts and questions about the reasons for the decision and affected a climate of trust that was already inevitably fragile.
We are now at an advanced stage of discernment on how to proceed, taking into account the good of all concerned and, in particular, the well-being of those who were harmed by Fr De Luca.
At the same time, work continues on the analysis of the extensive archival material relating to the “Path of Truth”. In the documentation examined to date, no personal diaries of the Jesuit have been found containing the names of victims of abuse, records of individual incidents of abuse or direct accounts of such abuse. Further updates will be shared as soon as the review process is complete.
On the operational front, efforts continue to strengthen the Safeguarding Office’s structure. In recent days, we have launched the restorative justice process with the appointment of four external mediators, who will accompany the process with complete independence from the Province and the Society of Jesus. Individuals who contacted the Safeguarding Delegate to express an interest in participating have been invited to take part, and they are welcome to extend the invitation to others. Anyone who suffered abuse within the EYM (Eucharistic Youth Movement – Movimento Eucaristico Giovanile) and is interested in participating in the restorative justice process may contact the Safeguarding Delegate.
A permanent listening and support centre, accessible to the public on designated days and at designated times, will soon be established. The service will be run by the Safeguarding Delegate, a psychotherapist and a social worker, all of whom are members of the Safeguarding Office. The goal of the centre is to strengthen the mechanisms for listening, accompaniment and the provision of support in situations of vulnerability.
Within the “Path of Truth”, individualised accompaniment and financial reparation measures have also been provided and implemented.
The Society of Jesus renews its determination to continue the dialogue with all interested parties and to provide further information on the process currently underway. We are fully aware of the complexity of the matter and the need to continue to act with responsibility and care for those who suffered violence and to ensure the transparency of the process.
