Pope Leo XIV meets with abuse victims in Spain

By Deborah Castellano Lubov and Salvatore Cernuzio

Pope Leo XIV had a meeting on Monday with victims of abuse by members of the clergy in Spain, stated Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, on Telegram.

In the message, Bruni noted that the Holy Father met with six abuse victims who were accompanied by Church personnel engaged in supporting and accompanying victims.

“During the conversation, which lasted nearly an hour,” the Holy See Press Office Director noted, “each of those present, drawing on their own painful personal experiences, offered the Pope a number of proposals aimed at making the Church’s response to such tragic cases more effective.”

“The Pope,” Bruni continued, “listened with affection and attentiveness, assured them of his closeness—as well as that of the entire ecclesial community—and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the proposals received serve as a foundation for further efforts, so that the Church may truly be a safe and spiritually healthy place where wounds can find comfort and healing.”

Bruni also noted that “The victims felt that the Pope had taken their suffering upon himself.”

The Holy See Press Office Director had confirmed this encounter would take place prior to the Pope’s departure from Rome, explaining that it was organized by the local Church, noting that further details would be given soon, with respect for the privacy of the victims.

The issue of abuse remains a painful one for the Spanish Church, which in recent years has implemented various initiatives aimed at prevention and reparation.

Most recently, in March, a protocol was agreed upon by the Spanish Episcopal Conference, the Conference of Religious, and the Ministry of the Presidency to address this painful reality with truth and justice. 

Pope Leo XIV’s private, closed-door dialogue was similar in style to those of his predecessors.

Pope Benedict XVI met with abuse victims during his visits to the United States in 2008, as well as to the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.

Pope Francis also held similar meetings during his travels to Ireland, Chile, Portugal, and Belgium.