Pope Francis Receives Strong Reception in Belgium Amid Criticism of Church’s Sexual Abuse Response
During his visit to Belgium, Pope Francis was greeted with impactful speeches from both Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and King Philippe, who condemned the Catholic Church’s handling of sexual abuse cases. This visit marked a significant moment, as it represented some of the most direct criticisms directed at the Church by national leaders regarding the issue.
Both leaders emphasized the Pope’s role in ensuring justice and accountability within the Church. In response, Pope Francis acknowledged their concerns, stating that the Church “must be ashamed” of its past actions, while assuring that the situation is being addressed “firmly and decisively.”
Later that evening, the Pope met privately with 17 survivors of abuse by clergy members, reaffirming his commitment to confronting this pressing issue.
Last year, a prominent Belgian television series titled Godvergeten (Godforsaken) spotlighted the abuse committed by Catholic priests in Flanders. The show’s impact was profound, prompting hundreds of individuals to reach out to an abuse helpline, and it is thought to have significantly decreased church attendance.
Survivors are advocating for reparations and urging the Vatican to establish a comprehensive compensation system. In response, the Belgian parliament has launched inquiries into historical cover-ups of abuse within the Church.
Among the 15 survivors who met with the Pope, Aline Colpaert expressed her desire for a tangible plan of action, stating to Flemish TV, “I hope he’s genuine, that he truly listens and that my message resonates with him.”
Pope Francis acknowledged the speeches of both the king and the prime minister, and in his address, he characterized clerical sexual abuse as “our shame” — “the shame we must confront today, seeking forgiveness and a resolution, the shame of abuse, particularly of minors.” He likened the epidemic of abuse to the massacre of children ordered by King Herod.
While Pope Francis spoke about the Church’s commitment to taking serious measures to address the issue, critics argue that he could have taken more substantial actions since the beginning of his papacy in 2013.
