In the lead-up to Pope Francis’ visit to Belgium, controversy arose surrounding a choir rehearsing a hymn composed by a priest accused of sexual abuse. The piece was swiftly replaced, but due to timing constraints, the hymn composer’s name remained in the Mass booklet, illustrating the ongoing struggle of the Belgian church to address a history of abuse and cover-ups. This issue sheds light on the larger problem within the church, as noted by retired priest Rev. Rik Deville, a prominent advocate for abuse survivors in Belgium.

Belgium has faced a steady stream of abuse reports over the past two decades, with hundreds of known cases officially documented, though advocates believe the actual number is significantly higher. Deville highlighted how victims encounter these issues frequently, such as a recent instance where a bishop eulogized a priest known to be an abuser, leading to significant repercussions. The handling of the hymn controversy underscores the broader challenges faced by the church in addressing past abuses, particularly in the context of a high-profile papal visit.

Debates over how to address art created by individuals with problematic histories, like composers accused of misconduct, have long been a point of contention. Instances such as the ban on the music of composer David Haas in Los Angeles due to allegations of sexual misconduct, or the scrutiny over the mosaics of artist Rev. Marko Rupnik following abuse accusations, highlight the complexities surrounding separating the art from the artist.

The recent case involving Rupnik, whose mosaics adorn prominent religious sites globally, including in Lourdes, Fatima, and the Vatican, underscores the dilemmas faced by institutions grappling with preserving or removing artwork connected to controversial figures. While decisions vary on how to handle such art, Cardinal Sean O’Malley emphasized the importance of considering the impact on abuse victims and avoiding actions that could be interpreted as downplaying their suffering.

As the church and society continue to navigate these challenges, the issue of addressing artworks created by individuals with troubling backgrounds remains a complex and sensitive matter. The ongoing controversies surrounding hymn composers and artists accused of misconduct underscore the importance of balancing artistic contributions with accountability and sensitivity to the experiences of abuse survivors.