The upcoming conclave presents an opportunity to shape the Catholic Church's response to ongoing clerical abuse scandals, with survivors calling for transparency and accountability.
Survivors Demand Attention to Abuse Crisis as Cardinals Gather for Papal Conclave
Survivors Demand Attention to Abuse Crisis as Cardinals Gather for Papal Conclave
As cardinals convene to select the next pope, advocates for sexual abuse survivors are urging the church to confront its past failures.
As cardinals prepare for the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, the atmosphere in Rome does not only include the election's sacred purpose; it also sees a presence of sexual abuse survivors and advocates. Following Francis' death last month, voices emphasizing the critical need for the church to address its handling of abuse cases have emerged strongly. Matthias Katsch, a member of the advocacy group Ending Clergy Abuse, joined others in Rome to urge the cardinals not to neglect the grave issue of sexual abuse within the church. "We will not go away,” he declared, emphasizing the need for accountability from the church’s leadership.
The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, disclosed that discussions regarding sexual abuse were indeed included in the pre-conclave meetings, highlighting it as a "wound to be kept open." The intention is to ensure the problem remains visible and that the next pope acknowledges the necessity for effective healing initiatives.
Pope Francis, who ascended to the papacy in 2013, inherited the aftermath of a devastating clergy abuse crisis that severely tarnished the Catholic Church’s reputation and diminished attendance in congregations worldwide. Critics now consider his legacy on addressing these issues to be multifaceted. While he has made strides that significantly differ from the approaches taken by his predecessors, challenges remain entrenched. The persistent nature of clerical abuse means that his successor will face the daunting task of continuing the efforts begun under Francis while confronting unresolved issues that linger.
The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, disclosed that discussions regarding sexual abuse were indeed included in the pre-conclave meetings, highlighting it as a "wound to be kept open." The intention is to ensure the problem remains visible and that the next pope acknowledges the necessity for effective healing initiatives.
Pope Francis, who ascended to the papacy in 2013, inherited the aftermath of a devastating clergy abuse crisis that severely tarnished the Catholic Church’s reputation and diminished attendance in congregations worldwide. Critics now consider his legacy on addressing these issues to be multifaceted. While he has made strides that significantly differ from the approaches taken by his predecessors, challenges remain entrenched. The persistent nature of clerical abuse means that his successor will face the daunting task of continuing the efforts begun under Francis while confronting unresolved issues that linger.
