Pope Leo XIV delivered a blunt message to Spain’s Catholic hierarchy on Monday, urging bishops to hear directly from survivors of clergy abuse and to ensure they receive reparations, in what amounted to his most forceful remarks so far on scandals that have battered the Church’s credibility.
Speaking to an assembly of Spanish bishops in Madrid today, the Pope condemned the “scourge” of sexual abuse within the Church and pressed for what he called a “culture of care”.
“Faced with this scourge, the ecclesial community is called to respond with listening, truth, justice, reparation and an ever more determined commitment to prevention and a culture of care,” he said.
He added that every victim should be able to encounter “sincere listening, welcome, protection and real paths to healing”.
In a separate address to the Spanish parliament, Pope Leo widened his focus to global challenges, calling for coordinated action on the “tragic drama” of migration and describing world peace as a “true global imperative”.
He appealed to lawmakers to establish “safe and legal pathways” for immigration and to guarantee migrants “a respectful welcome and real opportunities for integration”.
“The tragic drama of migration… challenges the conscience of nations and the ethical foundation of the international order today,” he said.
The pontiff also warned against escalation and militarisation, urging dialogue in place of conflict and rearmament.
“Weapons may impose a temporary silence but they can never build a genuine and lasting peace,” he said.
Spanish media reported that Pope Leo was expected to hold a private meeting later today with victims of sexual abuse by clergy at the Vatican embassy in Madrid.
The Vatican has confirmed that a meeting with victims will take place during the visit but has not provided further details.
On Saturday, during his flight to Madrid, the Pope told reporters the abuse scandal remained “still an open wound” for the Church.
A 2023 report by Spain’s national ombudsman estimated that around 200,000 minors have suffered abuse by clergy in the country since 1940.
Spain’s government and the Catholic Church signed an agreement in March to compensate victims.
The Pope’s week-long visit to Spain continues with events in Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands.
