On September 12, 2018, Pope Francis announced there would be a meeting on "The Protection of Minors in the Church."  This gathering was being organized to address the widespread and and ongoing scandals regarding child sexual abuse by members of the clergy.  With 190 of the highest representatives from different ecclesial communities across the globe, the goal was to develop a comprehensive response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis through evaluation of the problem and reforms for the future.  Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago was one of the organizers of this historic gathering.  

The Meeting was conducted at the Vatican from February 21 through February 24.  A new website has been introduced to follow the process of these changes and developments during the Meeting and thereafter.  The website includes a list of program speakers, participants, a timeline, presentations, a summary of church law, official documents, worldwide activities, and contact information.  The website address is PBC2019.org.