Pope Leo XIV Addresses Clergy Sex Abuse and Global Issues During Spain Visit

Pope Leo XIV condemned the widespread sexual abuse by Catholic clergy, urging the Church to foster a “culture of care.” His comments came before a planned private meeting with victims in Spain. “One of the most painful encounters is with those who have been wounded by those meant to care for them,” stated the U.S.-born pope, as reported by Reuters.

Pope Leo emphasized the necessity for the ecclesial community to tackle this issue through listening, truth, justice, repair, and prevention. He highlighted the importance of creating an environment where every victim can find genuine support and healing.

While set to meet victims at the Vatican embassy in Madrid, some representatives felt excluded from discussions. Juan Cuatrecasas from Infancia Robada expressed disappointment at the omission of victim groups from the meeting. Meanwhile, the Vatican stated that information about the meeting would be withheld until post-event, respecting the victims.

A 2023 report revealed around 200,000 minors in Spain had experienced clergy abuse since 1940. Responding, the government reached a compensation agreement with the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV’s Parliamentary Speech

Pope Leo’s address to the Spanish parliament garnered a standing ovation, urging global cooperation to resolve migration issues and advocating for world peace. He spoke against euthanasia legalized by Spain and proposed “safe and legal pathways” for migrants, aligning with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s liberal immigration approach.

The pontiff urged “patient dialogue” over conflict, stating that weapons instill silence, not lasting peace. His remarks came after leading a mass attended by over 1.5 million people. Later, he will bless the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, concluding with a visit to the Canary Islands to honor migrant lives lost at sea.