Pope Francis Condemns Clerical Sexual Abuse in Belgium
BRUSSELS — In a powerful and emotional statement, Pope Francis expressed deep shame and humiliation over the clerical sexual abuse scandal in Belgium. He declared that the Catholic Church must face this issue with Christian humility and take concrete steps to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
The pontiff made these remarks during a meeting with the country’s leaders and members of civil society in Brussels. He described the feelings of shame that the Church must confront, emphasizing the urgent need for forgiveness and resolution in the face of abuse, especially when it involves minors.
Describing the decades of abuse and cover-ups as a “scourge,” Pope Francis drew parallels to King Herod’s slaughter of innocent victims. He called for an end to excuses for any form of abuse, whether within the Church or beyond, stressing the importance of seeking forgiveness and justice.
Earlier, Belgium’s prime minister publicly criticized the pope for the Church’s historical failings, demanding tangible actions to address past wrongs and prioritize the needs of abuse victims. The unprecedented speech reflected the deep wounds caused by the abuse scandal in Belgium, leading to a decline in the Church’s influence.
Both the prime minister and King Philippe called for transparency, accountability, and support for victims as essential steps towards healing and rebuilding trust. They emphasized the importance of acknowledging past misconduct and ensuring that cover-ups are not tolerated.
The revelations of Belgium’s abuse scandal have shaken the nation over the years, culminating in the recent defrocking of a bishop accused of abuse. Pope Francis commended the prime minister’s speech and is set to meet with victims privately to offer his support and empathy.
As the Catholic Church grapples with the aftermath of the abuse scandal, Pope Francis’ visit to Belgium serves as a crucial moment for reflection, repentance, and reconciliation. The Church’s commitment to addressing past wrongs and supporting victims will be essential in rebuilding trust and credibility in the community. — Euronews
