Pope Francis has called a worldwide summit of bishops to discuss the protection of children as the Catholic Church continues to be rocked by sex abuse scandals and disputes between traditionalists and supporters of the liberal pontiff.

The Vatican said on Wednesday that it would hold a meeting of the presidents of the Episcopal Conferences of the church in February to discuss “the theme of the protection of minors”. It would be the first global gathering of leaders of the church to discuss formally the child abuse crisis.

Pope Francis had “reflected extensively” on “the theme of abuse” in a meeting with his cardinal advisers this week, the Vatican said. The conference is scheduled for February.