VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV spent nearly three hours on Saturday meeting with 15 survivors of clerical sexual abuse from Belgium, in what the Holy See Press Office described as a “profound and painful” encounter. Each of the survivors had been abused as minors by members of the Catholic clergy. The Vatican emphasized that the meeting took place in a “spirit of closeness, listening, and dialogue,” highlighting the Pope’s commitment to addressing the global abuse crisis within the Church.

The Context of the Meeting

Belgium’s Catholic Church has been shaken by a series of high-profile clerical abuse scandals over the past three decades. The revelations have included cases involving senior church officials, including a former bishop who abused two of his nephews. The scale and severity of these abuses have prompted calls for reform and accountability within the global Church.

Pope Leo XIV’s extended meeting underscores the gravity of the crisis. Vatican officials noted that almost three hours is unusually long for any papal audience, reflecting the seriousness with which the Pope approached the survivors’ testimonies.

Previous Papal Engagements

The meeting echoes actions taken by Pope Francis, who visited Belgium last year and spent over two hours with survivors during his historic trip. During that visit, then-Prime Minister Alexander de Croo urged the Pope to take concrete, tangible action to prevent future abuse and provide support to victims.

Since his election six months ago, **Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope—**has repeatedly called for the Catholic Church to establish a culture that rejects abuse in any form. In recent weeks, he also held his first Vatican meeting with survivors of clerical abuse, signaling an ongoing effort to prioritize accountability and healing for victims.

Pope Leo XIV’s Experience and Commitment

Pope Leo XIV brings personal experience to the issue. During his time as a bishop in Peru, he confronted one of the most serious and widespread clergy abuse scandals in Latin America. This background has informed his approach to addressing abuse cases globally and underscores his commitment to systemic reform.

The Vatican has also recently released a report from a dedicated commission, urging Catholic leaders worldwide to do more to support survivors and prevent future abuse. The Pope’s engagement with the Belgian survivors is seen as part of a broader effort to implement these recommendations and restore faith in the Church’s leadership.

Global Significance

The meeting with abuse survivors in Belgium reflects a broader international focus on clerical abuse and accountability. With the Catholic Church facing scrutiny in countries across Europe, Latin America, and North America, Pope Leo XIV’s actions send a message that survivor voices are central to the Church’s reform efforts.