The Catholic church in the Pacific says Pope Francis wants to ensure bishops learn that protection of minors is of paramount importance.
Vice President of the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania Charles Drennan said by calling a recent Vatican meeting on sex abuse, Pope Francis wanted to confront what he called 'safeguarding' in a collaborative way.
Bishop Drennan represents bishops from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Noumea, Solomon Islands, Guam and the Marshall Islands.
The Catholic Church in Guam is facing dozens of lawsuits of historical sex abuse by priests. Photo: 123rf
He said it was imperative common best practice standards are learnt and adhered to across all cultures.
The church said Sinaelelea Fe'ao, who is the co-ordinator for religious education for Tonga and Niue, was appointed to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors last year.
She has been involved with implementing policies and programmes for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults.