Survivors Demand Accountability at Papal Conclave: A Push for Change

In the wake of Pope Francis' death, advocates for survivors of sexual abuse are pressing cardinals to prioritize the issue during the conclave aimed at selecting Francis’ successor, highlighting the continued struggles within the Catholic Church regarding abuse scandals.

As the cardinals gather in Rome for the conclave to elect a new pope following the passing of Pope Francis, voices from within the community of sexual abuse survivors are rising in urgency. Advocates and survivors have made their way to the Vatican, determined to ensure that the alarming issue of sexual abuse remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding the next pontiff's selection.

Matthias Katsch, a board member of Ending Clergy Abuse based in Berlin, emphasized the critical message that survivors will not be silenced or forgotten during this pivotal moment. “We will not go away,” he affirmed, reinforcing the need for the cardinals to consider the profound impact of abuse within the Church when deliberating on potential successors.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that discussions regarding sexual abuse have been a part of the pre-conclave meetings, with cardinals recognizing it as a persistent wound that must remain open. This approach aims to keep the conversation about clerical abuse alive, fostering a path for healing and reconciliation within the Church.

Reflecting on Pope Francis' legacy regarding this contentious issue, opinions remain divided. While he introduced measures more robust than those of his predecessors, the ongoing clerical abuse scandal continues to afflict the Church, placing an even greater burden on his successor. Critics argue that Francis made significant strides but ultimately fell short in addressing the systemic issues, leaving his eventual successor with immense challenges.

As the conclave approaches, the pressure mounts for cardinals to embrace a transparent and accountable method of selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church, one who will continue to address the persistent crisis of sexual abuse and work towards restoring faith among the Church's congregants.