As the conclave to elect the next pope unfolds, survivors of sexual abuse by priests have made urgent appeals for reform, urging the church to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward transgressors and to acknowledge past failings. Advocates believe that the new pontiff should prioritize conclusions that have lingered in the shadow of the Vatican for decades.
Pope Succession: Survivors Urge New Pontiff to Address Clerical Abuse Crisis
Pope Succession: Survivors Urge New Pontiff to Address Clerical Abuse Crisis
In the wake of Pope Francis's death, advocates for clergy sexual abuse survivors call for decisive reform from the next pope.
On Wednesday afternoon, as the College of Cardinals prepared to enter the Sistine Chapel, representatives from several survivor groups, including the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), delivered a statement calling on the next pope to decisively tackle the legacy of sexual abuse within the church. At a press conference, Peter Isely, a leading member of SNAP, emphasized a need for accountability, stating, “We want to work with the next pope to put an end to clerical abuse.”
SNAP has been proactive leading up to the conclave; in March, they launched a website that highlights each cardinal’s response to allegations of sexual abuse under their watch, asserting that many in the church hierarchy bear responsibility. The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, noted discussions among cardinals surrounding the issue, recognizing it as a persistent "wound" that requires ongoing attention to facilitate healing and solution-building.
On top of urging immediate action, SNAP has also proposed a roadmap for the pope's first 100 days in office, outlining crucial steps that could be taken to address this pressing issue, cementing the hope that the next papal leadership might finally signal a shift in direction for the Church.
SNAP has been proactive leading up to the conclave; in March, they launched a website that highlights each cardinal’s response to allegations of sexual abuse under their watch, asserting that many in the church hierarchy bear responsibility. The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, noted discussions among cardinals surrounding the issue, recognizing it as a persistent "wound" that requires ongoing attention to facilitate healing and solution-building.
On top of urging immediate action, SNAP has also proposed a roadmap for the pope's first 100 days in office, outlining crucial steps that could be taken to address this pressing issue, cementing the hope that the next papal leadership might finally signal a shift in direction for the Church.
