Pope Leo XIV meets abuse victims in Spain amid protests

Pope Leo XIV met this Monday (8) with six survivors of abuse committed by members of the Catholic clergy in Spain, the Vatican said.

Groups of survivors who were not invited criticized the event, calling it a mere photo opportunity.

The Vatican provided few details about the meeting, which lasted about an hour, but said the pontiff heard proposals to make the Church's protection more effective and promised to transform it into a safe space for everyone.

Leo XIV, on a week-long visit to Spain, had already made the first direct reference to the scandals that undermined the credibility of the Spanish Church, telling the bishops that they must listen to the victims and offer them reparations.

He told clergy that abuse survivors should see a "firm commitment" from the Church to strengthen protection and create a safe culture for children and other vulnerable people.

A 2023 report from Spain's Human Rights Ombudsman estimated that thousands of victims suffered abuse by Spanish clergy over decades, echoing scandals that have shaken the moral authority of the Church around the world and cost millions of dollars in compensation.

Juan Cuatrecasas, president of the group "Stolen Childhood", said that the survivors' meeting with the pope fell short of expectations because it did not include representatives of all the Church's victims.

"They are being used by the Church, by the Episcopal Conference, to clean up the image of the Spanish Church," he told reporters.

Survivors say the Church needs to do more.

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The organization "Stolen Childhood" and other Spanish groups have demanded measures that include fair compensation and lifelong psychological support for victims, as well as support for education and employment.

Last week, Madrid Cardinal José Cobo said it would not be feasible for the Pope to meet with various groups of survivors during his busy schedule.

"It's simply because his time is limited," Cobo said.

Spanish activist Miguel Hurtado was dismayed that the pope had not scheduled a meeting with abuse survivors at Montserrat Abbey, on the outskirts of Barcelona, where Hurtado says he was abused as a teenager.

Leo will visit Montserrat, which was included in the 2023 ombudsman's report, on Wednesday (10) and have lunch with local Benedictine monks.

"At the very least... remember the victims," Hurtado told reporters. "Publicly commit to cleansing the Church of abusers and those who cover them up."

The ombudsman's report identified 15 victims and three alleged perpetrators linked to the abbey.

Source: CNN