Pope Leo XIV condemned sexual abuse by authority figures within the Catholic Church and expressed support for reparations for victims during a meeting with Spain’s Catholic bishops on June 8, 2026. He referred to the issue as a 'scourge' and emphasized the need for listening, truth, justice, and prevention in addressing the wounds inflicted on victims by clergy members.
The Catholic Church has faced numerous investigations revealing a pattern of systemic abuse and cover-ups involving thousands of child predators worldwide. A recent report by Spain’s human rights ombudsman indicated that approximately 440,000 individuals were sexually abused as children within the Church in Spain. Pope Leo stated, 'Every wounded person must be able to find sincere listening, welcome, protection, and real paths to healing.'
The pope has faced accusations regarding his past as bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, where he has been criticized for allegedly covering up child sex crimes. Peter Isely, founder of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, expressed concerns about the need for accountability and consequences for such actions.
The Catholic Church has been scrutinized for its handling of sexual abuse cases globally. Reports from the United States, France, Australia, and Ireland have documented extensive abuse and cover-ups, with significant numbers of victims and few cases leading to disciplinary actions. For instance, the John Jay Report in the U.S. noted over 10,000 abuse allegations against priests from 1950 to 2002, while investigations in France and Australia revealed hundreds of thousands of minors abused by clergy members.
Pope Leo XIV's remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the Church's responsibility and the need for reform to prevent future abuses.