Pope Leo XIV to Meet Clergy Abuse Victims During France Visit

POLICY WIRE — Vatican City — Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to meet with victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church during his upcoming visit to France from September 25 to 28, the Vatican announced on Friday. The Holy See didn’t provide immediate details about the meeting. This visit follows the pontiff’s pledge to intensify efforts within the Church to address its sex abuse scandals.

The Vatican’s announcement comes as the Catholic Church continues to grapple with the fallout from numerous allegations of sexual abuse by clergy members. Pope Leo XIV has previously expressed his commitment to tackling this issue head-on, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

In recent years, the Church has faced mounting pressure from survivors, advocacy groups, and legal authorities to confront its history of abuse and cover-up. Several high-profile cases have led to increased scrutiny — and calls for reform.

During his visit, Pope Leo XIV is expected to engage in a series of public and private meetings, including discussions with French government officials, religious leaders, and representatives from various Catholic organizations. The meeting with abuse victims is a significant component of his itinerary, underscoring the Church’s ongoing efforts to address past wrongdoings and foster healing.

The exact details of the meeting with abuse victims, including the location — and participants, haven’t been disclosed. The Vatican has indicated that further information will be provided closer to the event.

This visit to France is part of Pope Leo XIV’s broader initiative to reach out to communities affected by the Church’s scandals and to demonstrate his commitment to reform. His previous engagements on this issue have included meetings with abuse survivors in other countries and the implementation of new policies aimed at preventing future abuse and holding perpetrators accountable.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)