Pope Leo XIV’s Stance on Abuse in the Church

Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the Catholic Church must not show tolerance for any form of abuse—be it sexual, spiritual, or from authority figures. He advocated for a “transparent process” to foster a culture aimed at prevention throughout the church.

This was Leo’s initial public statement regarding the clergy sexual abuse crisis, delivered in a written note to a Peruvian journalist who has been investigating severe abuse cases within the Peru-based Catholic group, Christianae Vitae Sodalithium.

The message was read aloud in Lima during an event that featured a play inspired by the Sodalithium scandal and the journalist Paola Ugaz’s findings.

“It is urgent to cultivate a preventive culture that rejects all forms of abuse and the misuse of authority,” Leo stated. He mentioned the importance of fostering open communication, transparency, and genuine listening to the voices of those affected. He also highlighted the critical role of journalists in this process.

Having spent two decades as a missionary priest and bishop in Peru, Leo has been well-acquainted with the issues surrounding the Sodalithium scandal since its founding in 1971.

Bishop Robert Prevost played a key role in addressing the complaints from the victims of Sodalithium, assisting in financial settlements with the organization.

After his move to the Vatican in 2023, Prevost oversaw the thorough dismantling of Sodalithium, including facilitating the resignation of its influential Bishop. The group was officially suppressed early this year, shortly before Francis’s passing.

Now, as Pope, Leo faces the task of managing the dismantling of Sodalithium and its considerable assets. Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, a Vatican representative, read Leo’s message during the event and appeared alongside Ugaz.

In his message, Leo commended journalists for their courage in exposing difficult truths and stressed that public agencies must protect them. He insisted that a free press is vital and cannot be overlooked.

Both Ugaz and Sodalithium survivor Pedro Salinas are currently dealing with numerous legal challenges stemming from their investigative reports on the organization’s abuses and financial misconduct. They have expressed appreciation for Leo’s support in navigating these complexities.

The abuse scandal poses a significant challenge for Leo, particularly as survivors advocate for a strict zero-tolerance policy applicable to all forms of abuse within the church, extending even to those whose victims are adults—going beyond the measures previously established by Francis.