Panama congress calls Church to safeguard the deaf community - Vatican News
Michael Brown ·
· News about the Church
The First International Conference on the Sexual Abuse of Deaf Children, held July 8-11, 2026, in Panama City, gathered Church leaders, safeguarding experts, survivors, and Deaf advocates. Organized by DCYIA, CEPROME, and the Archdiocese of Panama, the congress used the theme Changing the Culture of Abuse Together. Sessions were in four sign languages, English and Spanish. Fr. Joseph Mulcrone said the Deaf community is an active, indispensable partner in safeguarding. The congress launched an international network so no child or vulnerable person is left unprotected or unheard.