Pope Francis to Meet Sexual Abuse Victims During World Youth Day in Portugal

In a move to address the grave issue of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has announced his intention to meet with victims of sexual abuse during his upcoming visit to Portugal for World Youth Day. The Holy Father's visit to Lisbon, which is set to take place from August 1 to August 6, 2023, will include this significant meeting, confirmed by Cardinal Manuel Clemente, the patriarch of Lisbon, in a conversation with journalists on July 20.

Photo credit: Uta Scholl

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
7/21/2023 (1 year ago)

Published in Europe

Keywords: Pope Francis, youth, world, day, abuse, victims, meeting, Portugal

To protect the privacy of the victims, the specific date and location of the meeting will not be publicly announced, according to Archdiocese of Lisbon Auxiliary Bishop Americo Aguiar, who spoke to Reuters. This approach reflects the sensitivity and gravity of the issue at hand and emphasizes the Pope's commitment to providing a safe and confidential space for survivors to share their experiences.

The decision to meet with sexual abuse victims comes after a commission investigation earlier in the year revealed shocking statistics. The investigation reported that approximately 5,000 children had been sexually abused by Church officials in Portugal over a period of about seven decades. This revelation has undoubtedly been a painful wake-up call for the Church, and Pope Francis' willingness to confront the issue head-on sends a strong message of accountability and commitment to justice.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has been vocal in condemning child sexual abuse perpetrated by Church leaders. In a recent letter to the president of Bolivia, he expressed his sorrow, shame, and dismay over the abuse that occurred in that country. In 2019, the Pope took significant steps by promulgating the Church legislation Vos Estis Lux Mundi, which aimed to address sexual abuse within the institution. Earlier this year, he further strengthened those rules and made them permanent, signaling his determination to create lasting change and ensure that the Church becomes a safer place for all.

During his stay in Portugal, Pope Francis will divide his time between participating in World Youth Day functions and engaging in meetings with government leaders. The World Youth Day event, which is celebrated internationally every few years, holds particular significance for the Catholic Church. Its launch is popularly attributed to St. John Paul II, whose 1984 Palm Sunday gathering marked the Youth Jubilee of the Holy Year of Redemption, drawing hundreds of thousands of young participants from around the world.

In addition to meeting with victims of sexual abuse, the Holy Father plans to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. It is reported that the Pope intends to pray the rosary with sick young adults at the shrine's Chapel of Apparitions, demonstrating his commitment to compassion and solidarity with those who have suffered.

The highlight of the visit will be the final day of the event, during which Pope Francis is scheduled to celebrate Mass. The Pope's presence during World Youth Day provides an essential opportunity for young Catholics to connect with their spiritual leader and reaffirm their faith.

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As Pope Francis travels to Portugal for World Youth Day, his meeting with sexual abuse victims will undoubtedly be a defining moment of his papacy. By acknowledging the painful reality of abuse within the Church and offering support to survivors, the Pope sends a clear message that the Catholic Church is dedicated to combating this grave issue and promoting healing and accountability. It is hoped that this meeting will be a step forward in the path towards a safer and more transparent institution, where the protection of the vulnerable is of paramount importance.