On May 28, 2026, the Latin Patriarchal Vicariate of Cyprus, through the St. Barnabas Training Centre, organized a Safeguarding course (protection of minors and vulnerable persons), in response to the growing attention of the Church and Pope Leo, in continuity with the commitment upheld by previous pontiffs to promote safe and responsible environments.
The training was offered to students of the St. Barnabas Training Centre, catechists, youth, members of the vocational pastoral ministry, and lay collaborators engaged in ecclesial activities. A total of 45 participants took part in the course. This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts in awareness, prevention, and formation in safeguarding, reinforcing the Church’s pastoral and communal responsibility.
The course was delivered by Fr. Hans Zollner, SJ, Director of the Institute of Anthropology (IADC), an academic institute of the Pontifical Gregorian University. A German Jesuit and alumnus of the Gregorian, Fr. Zollner has been the founder and Director of the IADC since 2012. From 2010 to 2019, he served as Academic Vice Rector of the Gregorian and Director of the Institute of Psychology. He was also a founding member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, serving from 2014 to 2023, and is a consultor to the Dicastery for the Clergy and a member of the Safeguarding Commission of the Diocese of Rome.
Holding a doctorate in theology, and trained as a psychologist and licensed psychotherapist, Fr. Zollner brings extensive experience in accompanying victim-survivors, as well as in forming academics and professionals, contributing significantly to the preparation of future leaders in the field of safeguarding and abuse prevention.
Fr. Rogério, Director of Studies of the St. Barnabas Training Centre, in the name of Mons. Bruno Varriano, noted for his pastoral zeal, expressed sincere gratitude to all participants for their presence and for their commitment to this important mission of the Church.
