I dispute claims made by Italian journalist Emiliano Fittipaldi in a new book as reported in your article (‘Pope has done almost nothing to halt sex abuse’, 16 January). As a member of the pontifical commission for the protection of minors since its formation in 2014, I have personally attended eight plenary meetings of the commission, in addition to numerous working group meetings. Members have had more than 50 educational engagements in five continents during the last 12 months, ranging from a couple of hours to three-day dedicated workshops for church leaders, staff and volunteers.

The intensity of the global educational and policy work under way is quite different to Fittipaldi’s dismissive suggestion that the commission has only met on three or four occasions. Pope Francis has endorsed our recommendations, which will require significant culture change and time to be implemented in practice. Pope Francis has a relationship with all members of the church, but would not normally interfere with the role of the local hierarchy. He is a pastor, not the governor of the local church.

Diocesan bishops are responsible for the local church, and religious superiors for their communities, and they are expected to “get on with it”. If they are having difficulties fulfilling their responsibilities, there are advisory structures in place to assist them. Readers can find more details of the commission’s work at www.protectionofminors.va

Sheila Hollins

House of Lords

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• This letter was amended on 18 January 2017. Because of an editing error, an earlier version suggested Sheila Hollins was a Labour peer. She is a crossbencher.