MANILA, Jan. 13, 2015 – Filipino psychotherapist Dr. Gabriel Dy-Liacco, who was recently appointed to the newest pontifical body, believes Pope Francis likes to be transparent.
This is the expert’s personal opinion on why Pope Francis opted to create a Pontifical Commission to Protect Minors. Being the only Filipino appointed to the body, Dy-Liacco expressed excitement about what needs to be done.
Filipino psychotherapist Dr. Gabriel Dy-Liacco (Photo: Melo M. Acuña)
He said the pontiff relies on the members of the commission for the “effective protection of children, regardless of religion they profess because they are the little ones on whom the Lord looks with love.”
With the commission meeting from Feb. 6-8 at the Vatican, Dy-Liacco believes it will propose initiatives to the Holy Father for the protection of children and vulnerable adults and to effectively respond to sexual abuse committed against minors.
He, however, added the commission will not handle specific cases as they are handled by the Congregation on the Doctrine of the Faith.
Dy-Liacco, whose parents hail from Camarines Sur, said he has worked and spent a significant length of time as a psychotherapist and counselor in the United States and has attended to both victims and perpetrators of abuse.
He sees his appointment last December both as an honor and privilege to serve the Church through helping children. (Melo M. Acuña/CBCPNews)
