Pope Leo XIV Engages with Abuse Survivors in Vatican Meeting

Pope Leo XIV met with survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy for the first time since his election, marking an important step in addressing a longstanding crisis within the Church. The meeting took place on Monday at the Vatican’s apostolic palace and included six survivors, as part of a dialogue initiated by the international coalition Ending Clergy Abuse. This encounter followed a critical report from the Vatican’s child protection commission, which highlighted the slow response of senior Church leaders in supporting victims.

During the hour-long meeting, survivors expressed their experiences and expectations for future action from the Church. Gemma Hickey, a Canadian survivor, described the meeting as “a significant moment of dialogue.” She noted that Pope Leo listened attentively and engaged with the participants, reflecting a commitment to understanding their perspectives. “We told him that we come as bridge-builders, ready to walk together toward truth, justice and healing,” Hickey stated.

Janet Aguti, a Ugandan survivor who also participated in the meeting, expressed optimism, saying, “I left the meeting with hope. It is a big step for us.” Pope Leo, the first American pope, was elected on May 8, 2023, succeeding the late Pope Francis, who prioritized addressing clergy abuse throughout his papacy.

The recent report from the Vatican’s child protection commission, released shortly before the meeting, criticized senior bishops for failing to adequately inform victims about how their reports were being managed. It pointed out that many victims remained uninformed about any actions taken against negligent bishops. This revelation adds to the ongoing scrutiny faced by the Catholic Church, which has been marred by abuse scandals globally, affecting its credibility and leading to substantial financial settlements amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.

In the meeting, Pope Leo acknowledged the immense challenges the Church faces regarding these issues. Matthias Katsch, a survivor who attended the session, remarked, “I think he is still in a phase where he is trying to find out how to best address these issues.” He emphasized that the era of quick, superficial responses from the papacy is over, indicating a need for more profound engagement with the complexities of the situation.

Pope Leo’s prior experience includes interactions with survivors during his time as a missionary and bishop in Peru. His predecessor, Pope Francis, also engaged with abuse victims throughout his 12-year tenure, striving to address the Church’s failings with mixed results. While many survivors welcome this new dialogue, they remain cautious, hopeful for substantive change, and recognition of their suffering.

The meeting serves as a reminder of the Church’s ongoing struggle to confront its past and the urgent need for reform. As survivors continue to advocate for justice, the responsibility now lies with the leadership of the Catholic Church to respond effectively and compassionately to their calls for action.