Pope says Church must provide reparations to abuse survivors
Speaking to an assembly of Spanish bishops in Madrid today, the Pope condemned sexual abuse in the Church as a "scourge" and urged leaders to build what he called a "culture of care".
Pope Leo XIV delivered his bluntest message yet to Spain’s Catholic hierarchy on the abuse crisis, telling bishops they must hear survivors, acknowledge the truth and provide reparations for harm that has badly damaged the Church’s moral standing.
Speaking to an assembly of Spanish bishops in Madrid today, the Pope condemned sexual abuse in the Church as a “scourge” and urged leaders to build what he called a “culture of care”.
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“Faced with this scourge, the ecclesial community is called to respond with listening, truth, justice, reparation and an ever more determined commitment to prevention and a culture of care,” he said.
He said every victim should be able to encounter “sincere listening, welcome, protection and real paths to healing”.
Turning to migration, he pressed lawmakers to establish “safe and legal pathways” and to make sure migrants are met with “a respectful welcome and real opportunities for integration”.
“The tragic drama of migration… challenges the conscience of nations and the ethical foundation of the international order today,” he said.
The Pope also used the occasion to renew his appeal for dialogue in the face of conflict and rising rearmament.
“Weapons may impose a temporary silence but they can never build a genuine and lasting peace,” he said.
Spanish media reported that Pope Leo was expected to meet privately later today with victims of sexual abuse by clergy at the Vatican embassy in Madrid.
The Vatican has confirmed that a meeting with victims will take place during the visit but has not released additional details.
Speaking to reporters on his flight to Madrid on Saturday, the Pope said the abuse scandal remains “still an open wound” for the Church.
About 200,000 minors are estimated to have suffered abuse by clergy in Spain since 1940, according to a 2023 report by the country’s national ombudsman.
In March, Spain’s government and the Catholic Church signed an agreement to compensate victims.
The Pope’s week-long trip to Spain continues with events in Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands.
