Pope Francis pledged on Saturday to provide support to clergy sexual abuse victims, following a meeting with a group of survivors from Belgium who shared their harrowing experiences of how the abuse had profoundly impacted their lives, leaving many in poverty and mental distress. The Pope’s visit to Belgium was overshadowed by the abuse scandal, as King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo strongly criticized the Catholic Church’s history of priests sexually abusing and harming children, as well as the institution’s prolonged concealment of these crimes.
During a more than two-hour meeting, 17 survivors pleaded their cases to Francis, seeking reparations and assistance to access therapy to help them cope with their trauma. One survivor, Koen Van Sumere, emphasized the urgent need for aid for victims who are struggling financially and psychologically. He expressed hope that the Pope would consider their requests and possibly meet with them again during Holy Week in the spring at the Vatican.
In a meeting with clergy and nuns in Belgium, Pope Francis acknowledged the suffering and wounds caused by the abuse scandal, emphasizing the importance of showing mercy and solidarity to victims. He urged the Belgian Church to learn from survivors and prioritize their needs, highlighting the misuse of power as a root cause of violence. Francis has previously met with abuse victims in various countries and implemented new rules within the Church to address misconduct cases.
The Pope’s visit to Belgium also stirred political discussions, with Francis commending King Baudouin for his refusal to sign a bill legalizing abortion and suggesting his beatification cause should progress. While the royal family distanced itself from the visit due to neutrality obligations, the encounter underscored the intersection of religious and political issues during Francis’ trip.
In a gesture of humility and compassion, Pope Francis began his day by sharing breakfast with homeless individuals and migrants at a parish in Brussels, where they exchanged stories and the parish presented him with bottles of beer produced to support charity initiatives. The Pope highlighted the significance of caring for the most vulnerable in society as a true reflection of the Church’s values.
The breakfast gathering, overseen by Marie-Françoise Boveroulle, a female adjunct episcopal vicar, symbolized the evolving roles of women within the Church. Francis emphasized the importance of giving to others selflessly and with love as a way to demonstrate the beauty of the Church. The encounter with the marginalized echoed the Pope’s message of inclusivity and compassion, resonating with his efforts to address systemic issues within the Catholic Church.
