Welcome to our blog, where we bring you the latest news and updates on Pope Francis’ visit to Belgium!
Wrapping up his first full day on Belgian soil on Friday, Pope Francis met with a group of survivors of clerical sexual abuse. This meeting marked an important moment in his apostolic visit to Belgium, where he addressed the issue of child sexual abuse within the Church.
During the meeting, Pope Francis emphasized the Church’s duty to confront the “shame” of child sexual abuse and described it as a “scourge” that must be eradicated with Christian humility. He listened attentively to the survivors’ personal stories and expressed his gratitude for their courage in coming forward.
The survivors were given the opportunity to share their experiences and suffering with the Holy Father, as well as to express their hopes for continued efforts in combating abuse within the Church. Pope Francis expressed his deep sense of shame for the abuses they endured as children at the hands of priests who were meant to protect them.
The meeting, which lasted over two hours, concluded with Pope Francis acknowledging the survivors’ requests for further study. The Holy Father’s commitment to addressing the issue of clerical sexual abuse was evident throughout the meeting, as he offered his closeness to their pain and voiced his support for their journey towards healing.
Stay tuned for more updates on Pope Francis’ visit to Belgium as he continues to engage with issues that are close to the hearts of many.
