VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo has called on the Catholic Church’s newest bishops to confront sexual abuse cases directly and avoid covering up misconduct, stressing that transparency and justice are essential for rebuilding trust.
Confronting Abuse Without Silence
Speaking to more than 200 newly appointed bishops during a closed-door meeting at the Vatican, Pope Leo emphasized that allegations of abuse must never be ignored or hidden.
“Accusations cannot be locked away in a drawer,” the pope said. “They must be addressed with mercy for the victims and with justice for both the victims and the accused.”
The remarks were released on Friday in a Vatican summary of the meeting.
A Church Facing Scandal
The Catholic Church has faced decades of global sexual abuse scandals, which have severely damaged its moral authority, led to expensive lawsuits, and forced the resignation of high-ranking clergy. Pope Leo, elected in May following the death of Pope Francis, has made it clear that handling these issues remains a top priority.
He previously urged priests to be “firm and decisive” when dealing with abuse cases.
Continuing Pope Francis’ Legacy
Pope Francis, who led the Church for 12 years until his death, placed significant focus on addressing sexual abuse, though with mixed outcomes. Pope Leo appears determined to carry forward that mission while also reinforcing Francis’ vision of a welcoming and inclusive Church.
According to the Vatican, Pope Leo encouraged bishops to stay connected with modern society, saying they must respond to the real questions of today’s men and women.
“Answers learned 25 years ago in the seminary are no longer enough,” he said, urging leaders to renew dialogue with the world.
Building Trust Through Accountability
Pope Leo’s message highlights the Church’s recognition that accountability and openness are crucial to restoring faith among its 1.4 billion members worldwide. By instructing bishops to act decisively, he signals that the era of silence and denial must end.
