Aussie put on church child protection body

An experienced Australian social welfare worker has been appointed to the Vatican's 17-member child protection body.

Pope Francis has announced in Rome that Kathleen McCormack, the founding director of CatholicCare in Wollongong, will join the eight women and nine men sitting on the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.

"This commission is about best practice in the future, not just for the children in our church, but for the children of our world," Ms McCormack said in a statement.

Two people sexual abused by members of the church as well as clerical and lay people from Australia, Britain, Colombia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, United States and Zambia make up the body.

"When I take my seat on this Commission the only interests I serve will be theirs and the only outcomes I will endorse will deliver abuse survivors justice and compassion," Ms McCormack said.

Her appointment was welcomed by the Bishop of Wollongong Peter Ingham and the head of the church's Truth Justice and Healing Council.

According to the council, Ms McCormack had directed the CatholicCare in Wollongong for 29 years.

She was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2007 and was named a Dame of the Order of St Gregory The Great by Pope Francis in April.