Pope Francis Calls for Purification Amidst Sexual Abuse Crisis at World Youth Day
Pope Francis has appealed for a purification within the Catholic Church amidst the ongoing sexual abuse crisis. Speaking in Lisbon at the start of his five-day visit to Portugal for World Youth Day, the Pope acknowledged the need for a humble and ongoing purification, starting with listening to the anguished cry of the victims. The event, the world’s largest Catholic festival, comes after a report by a Portuguese commission found that at least 4,815 minors were sexually abused by clergy, predominantly priests, over the course of seven decades.
In an address to bishops, priests, and religious sisters, Pope Francis spoke about the growing detachment from the practice of faith, which has been exacerbated by widespread disappointment and anger over the global abuse crisis and other scandals. As part of his trip, the Pope is expected to meet privately with abuse victims, although no details of the meeting have been released.
Arriving in Lisbon, Pope Francis was greeted by enthusiastic young Catholics from around the world who have gathered for World Youth Day. This is the fourth time that the Pope has presided over the event since being elected pontiff. Young believers gathered outside the Vatican embassy, waving their country’s flags and expressing their emotional connection to the event.
Notably, the Catholic Church has been undergoing various reforms since Pope Francis assumed the papacy in 2013. However, he faces the challenge of striking a balance between appealing to more liberal believers and potentially upsetting conservatives. Reforms include giving women more prominent roles and making the Church more inclusive and less judgmental toward groups like the LGBT community.
In his first speech during the visit, Pope Francis highlighted the current global climate of conflict and urged Europe to find the determination to end ongoing wars, such as the conflict in Ukraine. He called for a redirection of resources, suggesting that money spent on armaments should be used to improve education and support family-friendly legislation to address declining birth rates worsened by housing affordability issues. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of welcoming and integrating migrants for humanitarian reasons and as a means to counter dwindling populations.
World Youth Day aims to provide a platform for young Catholics around the world to come together for a common cause. The event not only symbolizes faith and unity but also offers an opportunity for reflection and connection among participants.
In the context of clerical sexual abuse, three billboards raising awareness of the issue were erected in Lisbon just before the Pope’s arrival. One of the billboards was later removed, raising questions about the extent to which the Church is willing to confront and address the crisis.
Pope Francis, who recently underwent intestinal surgery and now uses a wheelchair and cane, appeared in good spirits during his visit. He expressed hope of returning to Rome on Sunday rejuvenated by his encounters with young people.
