POPE LEO DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS, CALLS ON CATHOLIC CHURCH TO MAKE AMENDS
Pope Leo XIV has called on the Catholic Church to confront sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy, demanding justice, accountability and reparations for victims.
Speaking during his visit to Peru, the Pontiff urged Catholic bishops to take decisive action against perpetrators of sexual abuse and strengthen measures to protect vulnerable people, particularly children.
The Pope emphasised the importance of acknowledging the suffering of victims, establishing the truth and ensuring that the Church becomes a safer environment for everyone. The Times +1
On Thursday, November 12, Pope Leo met privately with six survivors of abuse by clergy and Church institutions in Lima, listening to their experiences during a meeting that lasted more than an hour.
According to the Vatican, the discussions focused on improving the Church’s response to abuse, supporting survivors through healing and strengthening measures to prevent future violations.
The meeting was the second engagement with abuse survivors during his South American tour, following a similar meeting with five victims in Argentina earlier in the week. Vatican News +1
However, some survivors’ organisations have criticised the limited participation in these meetings, arguing that hundreds of victims continue to demand justice, transparency and accountability.
The Pope’s statements come as the Catholic Church continues to face scrutiny over decades of sexual abuse allegations and accusations of institutional cover-ups.
His latest intervention reinforces calls for meaningful reforms to ensure that victims receive justice and that perpetrators are held accountable. Al Jazeera +1