Pope Leo: Failure to welcome abuse victims is a scandal

By Salvatore Cernuzio

Although it was not a specific topic of the Extraordinary Consistory held on January 7–8, Pope Leo XIV took the opportunity to speak to the roughly 170 cardinals—both electors and non-electors—about a problem that “remains a real wound in the life of the Church in many places”: the sexual abuse crisis.

This is a topic Pope Leo, like his predecessors, has repeatedly highlighted in recent months. Even in the Consistory—focused on the themes of synodality and mission, chosen by majority vote of the cardinals—he did not fail to mention this issue.

He addressed it in his concluding speech after the two day meeting, the full text of which was published on January 10.

The scandal of closed doors

In his address, the Pope stressed that “abuse itself causes a deep wound, which may last a lifetime; but often the scandal in the Church is that the door was closed and victims were not welcomed or accompanied with the closeness of authentic pastors.”

The Holy Father shared the testimony of a victim he had spoken with recently: “She told me that the most painful part for her was that no bishop wanted to listen”. There, Pope Leo said, “listening is profoundly important.”

Next steps

Listening is also a necessary practice between the Pope and the College of Cardinals. For this reason, the Holy Father asked the cardinals to continue the work begun at the Consistory, to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen dialogue, and implement synodality.

Pope Leo announced plans to “continue the meetings” in the future, possibly extending them to three or four days once a year. As some groups suggested, the meetings could consist of a day of reflection, prayer, and encounter, followed by two or three days of work.

For this year, he scheduled a second Consistory at the end of June, near the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

“I would suggest that, for this year, we meet a second time for two days,” the Pope said, also encouraging cardinals who “face financial difficulties” to seek assistance. “Speak up. I think we, too, can show solidarity with one another, and there will be ways, with generous people who will help.”

Submitting proposals and feedback in writing

The work is not over, the Pope highlighted, as “the dialogue is meant to continue.” He asked the cardinals to “submit in writing” their reflections on the four proposed themes—synodality, mission, liturgy, and the constitution Praedicate Evangelium.

Pope Leo during the Extraordinary Consistory   (@Vatican Media)

They were also meant to share their overall assessment of the Consistory and the “relationship of the cardinals with the Holy Father and the Roman Curia.”

He promised to “take time to read reports and personal messages carefully, and later give you feedback, a response, and continue the dialogue.”

Gratitude for participants and solidarity with absentees

In his final address, the Pope reflected positively on this initial experience of collegiality, which he said “is intimately connected to what we experienced at the Conclave,” during which many cardinals had expressed “the desire to get to know each other and to contribute and support.”

The Consistory was thus “a privileged moment to express the mission of the Church together, in communion.” Pope Leo expressed his “deep gratitude” for the presence and participation of the cardinals, all directed toward supporting him in his service as Successor of Peter. He especially thanked the senior cardinals who made the effort to attend as “their testimony is truly precious.”

At the same time, he expressed solidarity with those unable to attend for various reasons: “We are with you and feel you close!” He added, “Personally, I felt profound communion and harmony with all of you and among the many interventions.”

The importance of formation

Reflecting on points raised during the work, particularly by the 20 language-based groups, the Pope highlighted the importance of formation. “Formation for everyone”—in seminaries, for priests, bishops, and lay collaborators—“must be rooted in the ordinary, concrete life of the local Church, the parishes, and other significant places where people meet, especially those who suffer.”

The language groups during the Consistory   (@VATICAN MEDIA)

Because such topics cannot be fully addressed in a short time, this ordinary work must become “an opportunity for formation and growth for those with whom we work, at all levels, from the parish to the Roman Curia.” Examples include pastoral visits and the revitalization of participatory bodies.

Synodality and mission, rooted in the Council

Regarding the two themes chosen by the cardinals—synodality and mission—the Pope reiterated that they “are deeply rooted in Vatican II and the entire path that has flowed from the Council.”

He emphasized that “this path is a process of life, conversion, and renewal for the entire Church.” The other two themes were not “necessarily central” during the two days but “are closely connected to the other themes and to the Council,” he said, “so they have not been nor will be forgotten.”

The service of the Curia

Pope Leo also mentioned the work of the Dicasteries in the spirit of Praedicate Evangelium, serving the Pope and the particular Churches. The Apostolic Constitution, published in October 2022, highlights the need to “better harmonize” the service of the Curia with the path of evangelization.

The Holy Father reiterated his commitment to providing the cardinals and the whole Church “a structure of relationships and service, capable of supporting you and local Churches to address the current challenges of the mission more effectively.”

“This,” he continued, “is connected to the ongoing implementation of the Synod, which will have a key milestone in the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly.” He encouraged the cardinals to be “ferment for this path” in service of the Church’s mission and the proclamation of the Gospel.

Support for those suffering from war and violence

Concluding his speech, the Pope stressed the importance of sending hope to today’s world: “We are not gathered here deaf to the reality of poverty, suffering, war, and violence that afflict so many local Churches. And here, with them in our hearts, we also want to say that we are close to them. Many of you come from countries experiencing this suffering from violence and war.”

Pope speaking to the Cardinals during the Consistory   (@Vatican Media)

This path of hope must also engage the young, he said. The hope experienced in the recently concluded Jubilee reminds us: “We have closed the Holy Door, but let us remember: the door of Christ and His love is always open!”

The full text of the Pope’s concluding speech can be found here in Italian