Pope Francis Urges Church Leaders to Embrace Reparation for Abuse, Highlights Importance of Listening to Victims
Vatican City – Pope Francis has reiterated the Catholic Church’s commitment to addressing the ongoing crisis of sexual abuse, emphasizing that true reparation requires a profound conversion to justice, pastoral responsibility, and genuine listening to those who have suffered violence. The Pope’s message came during a meeting with participants of the Fifth Congress of the Interdisciplinary Research and Training Center for the Protection of Minors in Latin America (Ceprome).
A Call for Authentic Conversion
In his address, Pope Francis stressed that the path to reparation “cannot be reduced to a series of formal obligations.” Instead, he called for “a true conversion to justice: personal, pastoral and institutional.” This commitment, he stated, is not limited to specialists but is “an essential dimension of the evangelizing mission of the Church, which challenges the conscience of every pastor and every ecclesial community.”
The Culture of Care and Prevention
The Pope highlighted the crucial role of fostering a “culture of care” within the Church to prevent abuse. He emphasized that local Church representatives have a “particular and non-delegable responsibility” not only to implement appropriate procedures but also to personally embrace this culture of care. This includes actively listening to victims and demonstrating the “tenderness of Christ,” transforming wounds into “glimmers of hope.” He noted that when bishops and major superiors integrate this commitment into their ministry, the Church becomes “more credible, more human and more evangelical.”
Listening as an Act of Justice
Central to the Pope’s message was the importance of listening to victims. He stated, “Listening to the victims is not an optional gesture, but an act of justice and truth.” From this listening, he explained, credible policies, complete repair processes, structures, and accountability mechanisms can be developed. Reparation, according to the Pope, must be rooted in both mercy and respect for the law, but also require a clear ecclesial vision based on truth, responsibility, and ongoing accompaniment.
Ceprome’s Role in Fostering Change
Pope Francis acknowledged the vital role of Ceprome as a space for ecclesial convergence, capable of supporting local Churches in their ongoing maturation. He underscored the importance of collaboration with the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) and the Conference of Latin American Religious (CLAR), combining the pastoral responsibility of bishops, the charismatic richness of consecrated life, and interdisciplinary expertise.
Congress Focuses on Theology and Practical Application
The Fifth Congress of Ceprome aims to be a forum for reflection, training, and dialogue to promote a safer, more responsible, and committed Church dedicated to justice and reparation. Key topics being addressed include the theology of reparation in times of wounds, the possibility and meaning of reparation for abuse within the Church, accompaniment and restoration, pastoral care of consolation, and the theological and legal foundations of the right to reparation. The congress also features a Second Exhibition of Good Practices and specialized round tables.
This commitment to addressing abuse and supporting victims reflects the Church’s ongoing efforts to create a safer and more just environment for all.