The upcoming conclave is influenced by a call from abuse survivors to prioritize the handling of sexual abuse within the Church.
Survivors Press Cardinals on Clergy Abuse During Pope Succession Conclave
Survivors Press Cardinals on Clergy Abuse During Pope Succession Conclave
As cardinals gather to elect a new pontiff, survivors of clerical abuse rally to highlight the ongoing crisis.
With the recent passing of Pope Francis, attention has shifted to the upcoming conclave where cardinals will elect his successor. This time, however, the focus extends beyond the inner workings of the Vatican to the voices of survivors of clerical abuse, who have traveled to Rome to push for accountability in the Church's handling of abuse cases.
"Cardinals need to recognize that our fight is ongoing. We’ll be here reminding them of their responsibilities," said Matthias Katsch, part of the advocacy group Ending Clergy Abuse, which represents survivors from various countries. He emphasized the importance of making clerical abuse a primary consideration in the selection process for the next pope.
Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman, confirmed that the cardinals discussed sexual abuse during their pre-conclave meetings, labeling it a "wound to be kept open" to foster ongoing awareness and the exploration of healing pathways.
Pope Francis, who was elected in 2013 during a tumultuous time for the Church grappling with the repercussions of the clergy abuse crisis, had made some strides in addressing the issue more fervently than his two predecessors. However, the road ahead is laden with challenges, as survivors and advocates continue to articulate that the Church must take deliberate steps toward genuine reform. Critics remain divided on whether Francis's legacy adequately addressed the depth of the ongoing crisis.
As the conclave approaches, the voices of those affected by clerical abuse are resonating louder than ever, serving as a poignant reminder to the cardinals about the weight of their choice for the future of the Church.
"Cardinals need to recognize that our fight is ongoing. We’ll be here reminding them of their responsibilities," said Matthias Katsch, part of the advocacy group Ending Clergy Abuse, which represents survivors from various countries. He emphasized the importance of making clerical abuse a primary consideration in the selection process for the next pope.
Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman, confirmed that the cardinals discussed sexual abuse during their pre-conclave meetings, labeling it a "wound to be kept open" to foster ongoing awareness and the exploration of healing pathways.
Pope Francis, who was elected in 2013 during a tumultuous time for the Church grappling with the repercussions of the clergy abuse crisis, had made some strides in addressing the issue more fervently than his two predecessors. However, the road ahead is laden with challenges, as survivors and advocates continue to articulate that the Church must take deliberate steps toward genuine reform. Critics remain divided on whether Francis's legacy adequately addressed the depth of the ongoing crisis.
As the conclave approaches, the voices of those affected by clerical abuse are resonating louder than ever, serving as a poignant reminder to the cardinals about the weight of their choice for the future of the Church.
