In a landmark event, Pope Leo XIV convened with survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy for the first time on Monday, as reported by participants. This meeting, facilitated by Ending Clergy Abuse, an international coalition of survivors, involved four victims and two advocates engaging in an hour-long dialogue described as significant.
The Catholic Church, with its 1.4 billion members, has grappled with scandals worldwide for decades, tarnishing its reputation and leading to substantial financial settlements due to abuse and cover-up incidents. A recent report from the Vatican’s child protection commission criticized senior bishops for their delayed responses in assisting victims and lacking transparency in addressing abuse reports and disciplining negligent bishops.
Gemma Hickey, a survivor from Canada who attended the meeting, shared that Pope Leo met with them in his Vatican office, expressing warmth and attentiveness. Hickey emphasized their role as bridge-builders committed to pursuing truth, justice, and healing alongside the Church. Pope Leo, the first American pope elected on May 8 following Pope Francis’ passing, acknowledged the gravity of the church’s scandals during the meeting.
Janet Aguti, a survivor from Uganda present at the meeting, expressed optimism after the encounter, viewing it as a significant milestone. Survivors urged Pope Leo to institute a global zero-tolerance policy for priests implicated in abuse, echoing a long-standing demand. Timothy Law, co-founder of Ending Clergy Abuse, highlighted the existing zero-tolerance policy among U.S. bishops, enacted in 2002 post-extensive abuse revelations in Boston, proposing its universal adoption.
Pope Leo, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, had previously engaged with survivors during his missionary and bishopric duties in Peru. The late Pope Francis, who passed away in April, prioritized addressing clergy abuse throughout his papacy, meeting with victims on numerous occasions, particularly during his international visits.
