Excluded Survivors Warn Pope May Hear Only ‘Skewed Reality’ on Abuse Crisis

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Madrid: Pope Leo’s planned meeting with victims of clergy sexual abuse during his visit to Spain has become the subject of controversy after several leading survivors’ groups said they were not invited, raising concerns that the pontiff may hear only a limited account of the Church’s abuse scandal.

Representatives of some victims’ associations criticised the closed-door gathering, saying the exclusion of key survivor groups risks presenting an incomplete picture of the crisis. Juan Cuatrecasas, spokesperson for the association Infancia Robada (Stolen Childhood), said the decision was a ‘blow’and warned that the pope could be exposed to a ‘completely skewed reality’ if he met only with victims linked to the Repara project run by the Archdiocese of Madrid.

Spanish media reported that the meeting was due to take place at the Vatican embassy in Madrid. While the Vatican confirmed earlier that the pope would meet abuse survivors during his 7 day visit, it declined to disclose details in advance, citing respect for the victims.

The issue of clergy abuse remains a major challenge for the Catholic Church in Spain. Speaking to journalists during his flight to Madrid, Pope Leo described the scandal as ‘still an open wound’ for the Church.

According to a 2023 report by Spain’s national ombudsman, an estimated 200,000 minors may have suffered abuse by members of the clergy since 1940. In response to mounting pressure, Spain’s government and the Catholic Church reached an agreement in March to compensate victims, marking a significant step after years of criticism over the Church hierarchy’s handling of abuse allegations.

Pic Credit: AFP