VATICAN CITY (VATICAN CITY)
Exaudi [Miami, FL]
July 7, 2025
By Javier Ferrer García
Despite progress in prevention and reparation, the abuse crisis continues to affect the Church, especially where effective measures and a culture of transparency are lacking
Since the end of the 20th century, the Catholic Church has faced one of the most painful and scandalous crises in its history: the systematic revelation of sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy against minors and vulnerable people. This tragedy has not only destroyed human lives but has also undermined the Church’s moral credibility in many countries. The magnitude of the wound has demanded firm and sustained responses, although these remain uneven depending on the ecclesial context.
From decades of concealment to a culture of transparency
For years, many cases were silenced or treated as internal matters, under a mentality of institutional protection that is now recognized as part of the problem. The publication of the Boston Globe report in 2002, along with independent investigations in countries such as Ireland, Germany, Chile, Australia, and France, broke the silence and forced the Church to face its responsibilities.
Along this path, the Popes have taken decisive steps:
- Saint John Paul II reinforced the role of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in handling these cases.
- Benedict XVI tightened canonical norms and made exemplary decisions.
- Francis, with Vos Estis Lux Mundi (2019), established mandatory procedures to denounce and judge negligent bishops, and promoted a culture of prevention and support for victims.
The renewed impulse of Leo XIV
Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the absolute priority of protecting minors and vulnerable persons as not only a legal issue, but also a profoundly evangelical one. Continuing the work of his predecessors, he has taken new steps:
- He has promoted periodic independent audits in all dioceses, which not only review protocols but also verify their actual application.
- It has strengthened global coordination with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, granting it new powers to issue binding recommendations and evaluate the effectiveness of measures adopted by episcopal conferences.
- It has required all dioceses to publish annual transparency reports, making information on prevention, reporting, and case resolution accessible to the faithful and civil society.
- He called on the episcopal conferences that have not yet fully implemented the reforms to do so without delay, warning that “there is no time to lose when the lives and dignity of vulnerable people are at stake.”
In his first meeting with the victims as Pope, Leo XIV declared:
“Your pain has been ignored for too long. The Church’s first duty is not to defend your reputation, but to heal your wounds.”
Prevention, protection and repair: pillars that must be sustained
Preventive training is already mandatory in most seminaries and pastoral programs. Child protection offices have been established in many dioceses and religious congregations, although not all meet international transparency standards.
Reparation for victims cannot be limited to financial aid: Leo XIV insisted that it must be comprehensive, including psychological, pastoral, and community support. The culture of clerical cover-up, which has caused so much harm, must be replaced by a culture of shared responsibility, where clergy and laity work together to ensure the safety of all.
A transparency still under construction
Although important steps have been taken, full transparency is far from being achieved. Uneven implementation of measures, fear of losing power or prestige, and cultural resistance in some ecclesial circles remain obstacles.
In countries like Germany, Australia, and the United States, external reporting and collaboration with civil justice have paved the way. But in other contexts, public accountability is still avoided, hindering ecclesial renewal.
Pope Leo XIV recently recalled that “a Church that hides the truth about its own sin loses its credibility. Only through truth can we once again become a sign of hope.”
Credibility hurt, but not extinguished
The trust of many faithfuls has been deeply damaged, and some still distance themselves from the Church, scandalized by these crimes and their handling of them. However, where victims have been heard, where prevention is real, and where transparency has replaced silence, credibility is slowly beginning to be rebuilt.
The testimony of so many priests, religious, and lay people who have fought for the truth and the protection of the weak is a sign of hope and renewal.
A road of no return
The wound of abuse will not disappear magically or with simple declarations. Only a humble Church, which acknowledges its sin, seeks justice, and repairs the damage caused, can be a safe place for all.
As Francis said: “the wound of abuse has disfigured the face of the Church,” and Leo XIV reiterated that “we cannot stop until every Catholic community is a safe home where no one is again a victim and where everyone finds welcome and protection”.
Javier Ferrer García
Soy un apasionado de la vida. Filósofo y economista. Mi carrera profesional se ha enriquecido con el constante deseo de aprender y crecer tanto en el ámbito académico como en el personal. Me considero un ferviente lector y amante del cine, lo cual me permite tener una perspectiva amplia y diversa sobre el mundo que nos rodea. Como católico comprometido, busco integrar mis valores en cada aspecto de mi vida, desde mi carrera profesional hasta mi rol como esposo y padre de familia