Survivors Push for Transparency as Cardinals Meet for Papal Succession

Survivors of sexual abuse are urging cardinals to prioritize the crisis while selecting Pope Francis' successor as discussions surrounding the church's future unfold.

As cardinals gather in Rome for the conclave to choose a successor to Pope Francis, the voices of survivors of clerical sexual abuse cannot be overlooked. In the wake of Francis' passing last month, advocacy groups are making their presence felt, emphasizing the importance of confronting the abuse crisis as a significant factor in the selection of the new pope.

Matthias Katsch, a representative from Ending Clergy Abuse, stated, “I think it’s very important to remind them that we will not go away.” This sentiment underscores a growing demand for accountability and a firm stance against clerical abuse within the Church. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that discussions on the topic have taken place among cardinals, who are considering the sexual abuse crisis as a persistent “wound” that must remain a focal point for awareness and healing.

Pope Francis, who took office in 2013, inherited a Church grappling with the repercussions of the clergy abuse scandal. His tenure saw him take significant steps towards addressing the crisis, notably more robust than many attempts made by his predecessors. However, as noted by critics, the outcome of his initiatives remains a mixed legacy. With clerical abuse still prevailing as a serious issue, the next pope will face the daunting task of confronting the unresolved challenges that have plagued the Church.

As survivors hold firm in their advocacy, their presence at the conclave serves as a critical reminder to cardinals that the Church must not only reckon with its past but strive for meaningful reforms to rebuild trust within the congregation and the broader community. The selection of the new pope may very well symbolize an opportunity for a renewed commitment to justice and healing in the wake of a continuing crisis.