Pope Leo denounces what he calls "scourge" of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy
Summary
Pope Leo XIV condemned sexual abuse by Catholic clergy and called for the Church to focus on care and prevention. During his visit to Spain, he met victims and spoke to Spanish lawmakers about migration, peace, and protecting life.Key Facts
- Pope Leo XIV described sexual abuse by clergy as a "scourge" and urged the Church to respond with listening, truth, justice, and prevention.
- He planned a private meeting with abuse victims at the Vatican embassy in Madrid, though some victim groups said they were excluded.
- Around 200,000 minors in Spain have reportedly been abused by clergy since 1940, according to a government report.
- Spain’s government and the Catholic Church agreed in March to compensate abuse victims.
- The pope gave a speech to Spanish parliament, calling for global peace, migrant rights, and protection of life from conception to natural death.
- He criticized the use of weapons and promoted dialogue to resolve conflicts, opposing rearmament.
- Pope Leo's visit included honoring migrants who died crossing to the Canary Islands, a key entry point to Europe.
- The pope's views on peace contrast with President Trump’s more critical stance on his anti-war messages.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.