In the wake of Pope Francis's passing, survivors of sexual abuse have seized the opportunity to press for substantial change within the Catholic Church as cardinals prepare to elect a new pontiff. Organizations representing these survivors have descended upon Rome, fervently advocating for the next pope's commitment to resolving long-standing issues of clergy abuse.
“Effective measures must be deployed; a zero-tolerance policy is essential for perpetrators and those enabling them,” emphasized Peter Isely, a representative of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), during a press conference held prior to the conclave. This campaign comes on the heels of SNAP's launch of a website to monitor each cardinal's handling of credible abuse allegations, revealing that very few in the higher echelons of the clergy are without fault in these matters.
Ahead of the conclave, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that discussions concerning clergy sexual abuse were pivotal. The cardinals acknowledged the issue as a “wound to be kept open,” aimed at maintaining awareness and potential solutions.
In a proactive move, SNAP has drawn up a detailed plan outlining actions they believe the new pope should undertake in his first 100 days. These initiatives are designed to foster healing within the church and hold leaders accountable for their historical and ongoing mismanagement of abuse cases.
As the conclave draws near, the survivors' groups hold onto hope that their calls for justice will resonate with the new pontiff, ushering in an era of genuine reform within the Catholic Church.
“Effective measures must be deployed; a zero-tolerance policy is essential for perpetrators and those enabling them,” emphasized Peter Isely, a representative of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), during a press conference held prior to the conclave. This campaign comes on the heels of SNAP's launch of a website to monitor each cardinal's handling of credible abuse allegations, revealing that very few in the higher echelons of the clergy are without fault in these matters.
Ahead of the conclave, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that discussions concerning clergy sexual abuse were pivotal. The cardinals acknowledged the issue as a “wound to be kept open,” aimed at maintaining awareness and potential solutions.
In a proactive move, SNAP has drawn up a detailed plan outlining actions they believe the new pope should undertake in his first 100 days. These initiatives are designed to foster healing within the church and hold leaders accountable for their historical and ongoing mismanagement of abuse cases.
As the conclave draws near, the survivors' groups hold onto hope that their calls for justice will resonate with the new pontiff, ushering in an era of genuine reform within the Catholic Church.
