The Vatican steps up to the controversy. Pope Leo XIV will meet with victims of sexual abuse by members of the Church during his imminent trip to Spain, as reported this Friday night by the Vatican press office. For now, Neither the date nor with whom has been specified.
“Regarding some news spread by the press, I can confirm that during the days of the next Apostolic Journey, the Holy Father will meet some victims of abuse by the clergy in Spain. The meeting has been organized by the Spanish Church. More information will be provided after the meeting, respecting the victims, their wishes and their privacy,” said the director of the Press Room of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni,
In this way, and according to the brief message from the Vatican, the meeting has been organized by the Spanish Church, without giving more details, and that in any case more information can be offered “after the meeting of the American pontiff with the victims and in respect of their will and privacy.”
This detail is revealing. According to the Spanish newspaper, the detail of specifying that the act is the responsibility of the Spanish Church indicates that the Vatican wants to distance itself from the management of this delicate matter.
The associations did not find a response to their requirements
They had reported in the last few hours that the Pope was about to arrive in the country, to visit Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canarias and Tenerife, without having responded to their requests to meet with him.
It is unknown who will participate in this meeting to respect their privacy, or where, but among the people who could be heard by the American pontiff would be those who attend to the project Repairlaunched in 2020 in the archdiocese of Madrid to care for victims and prevent sexual, spiritual and conscientious abuse in its ecclesial environment.
At the end of Friday, neither the National Stolen Childhood Association (ANIR) nor Comprehensive Reparation Now (RIYA) had had a response to their request, as confirmed to Efe.
Juan Cuatrecasaspresident of ANIR, has assured that he has not received any news about his demand, which is why he anticipates that the pope will meet with victims sheltered within the Repara Project.
For his part, Miguel Hurtado, spokesperson for RIYA and the first complainant of the abuses in Montserrat, has expressed the opinion that the Pope will meet with victims, but not with “activist” organizations, as has happened on other occasions.
These organizations to the management of the visit of Leo XIV and for not being received next Monday in the vicinity of the Nunciature, where the pontiff is staying during his stay in Madrid.
