On 16 February, the Universidade Católica Portuguesa formalised its membership of the Rede Igreja + Segura (Safer Church Network) by signing the respective Letter of Commitment at a meeting held in Lisbon. This initiative, promoted by the VITA Group, aims to promote truly safe, transparent and responsible environments in Catholic Church entities in Portugal that work with children, young people and vulnerable individuals.

Joining the Network corresponds to Phase 1 of the Igreja + Segura programme, publicly committing to essential principles and measures of prevention, listening, transparency and support. In a second phase, institutions can move forward with an independent audit process, which supports the awarding of the Igreja + Segura Protective Seal, with different levels of recognition.

In addition to the Universidade Católica, the Santa Rafaela Maria Foundation, the S. João de Deus Institute, the Parish of Santa Isabel, the Catechesis of the Patriarchate of Lisbon and the National Department of Youth Ministry also signed this letter, emphasising the collaborative and networked nature of this initiative.

The ceremony was attended by Vice-Rector José Manuel Pereira de Almeida, Administrator Helena Brissos de Almeida, Director of Social Responsibility Rita Paiva e Pona, and Director of the Rector's Office Rita Seabra Brito.

This membership reinforces the path that the Universidade Católica has been following since 2019, when it made a formal commitment to protect minors and people in vulnerable situations, based on a zero-tolerance policy regarding mistreatment and abuse.

By joining the Igreja + Segura Network, the University reaffirms its responsibility to promote a culture of care and good treatment, strengthening prevention and support practices, contributing to environments of trust and protection.