Survivors Urge Next Pope for Zero-Tolerance Policy on Clerical Abuse

As cardinals prepare to elect a new pope, survivors of clerical abuse emphasize the urgent necessity for a comprehensive zero-tolerance policy to address historical and ongoing issues within the Church.

As the papal conclave approaches, survivors' groups have gathered in Rome to advocate for a transformative approach by the next pope regarding sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church. These organizations, including the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), are calling for a decisive response to a crisis that has marred the Church for decades.

Peter Isely from SNAP highlighted the necessity for a zero-tolerance policy directed at both abusers and those who enabled the misconduct by covering it up. He emphasized a collaborative approach in which the next pontiff actively works with survivors to eliminate clerical abuse.

In advance of the conclave, the Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni revealed that issues of sexual abuse have been a focal topic amongst the members of the Church's hierarchy. The cardinals view this issue as a "wound to be kept open" to foster continued awareness and seek meaningful solutions.

To bolster their advocacy, SNAP has launched a new website designed to track the record of each cardinal concerning credible allegations against clergy. This effort underscores the pervasive nature of the issue, indicating that few senior church officials are untainted by allegations.

Moreover, SNAP provided a detailed roadmap outlining essential actions for the new pope’s first 100 days, focusing on practical steps to directly address and resolve the ongoing abuse crisis within the Church. The urgency of these appeals reflects a community ready for change and accountability in the leadership of the Catholic Church.