Amid discussions of the papal transition, survivors of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church are voicing their concerns over the legacy of Pope Francis, particularly regarding his approach to clergy abuse. While some acknowledge that Francis has made strides in recognizing victims and adjusting internal Church policies, a feeling lingers among many survivors that his efforts have not gone far enough.
Prominent among those survivors is Alexa MacPherson, who endured horrific abuse from the age of three by a priest, Peter Kanchong. After her father discovered the abuse and reported it to the authorities, the Church's response was to protect its own interests, rather than prioritizing justice for the victim. A letter from then-Archbishop Bernard Law, written in 1984, revealed a troubling intent to shield the priest and avoid scandal for the Church.
"This was not an isolated incident," MacPherson reflected, emphasizing that the systemic issues leading to clergy abuse have persisted under various papacies, including that of Francis. She expresses a deep sense of frustration that more comprehensive actions have not been taken to address the issue at its roots. “There's just so much more that the Church and the Vatican and the people in charge can do,” she stated.
As more victims began to come forward in the wake of revelations, the Church faced increasing scrutiny. Documents from legal battles exposed a pattern of concealing abuse and moving predatory priests rather than seeking accountability, leading to a civil settlement that highlighted the Church's failures. MacPherson, alongside hundreds of other survivors, shared in a significant legal victory against the Church, which ultimately forced a release of internal records, revealing a long-standing culture of secrecy.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Pope Francis made efforts to address the issues of abuse more publicly than his predecessors. In 2019, he organized a summit for bishops to confront the crisis, labeling it an "evil". However, many survivors, including MacPherson, feel that the changes implemented do not go far enough to mandate accountability, stating that, while some progress has been made, “it’s not enough.”
While representation in civil court has improved in some respects, survivors contend that the Church continues to maintain control over its internal processes, often leaving victims in a state of frustration and unrest. The question of how to effectively dismantle the organizational culture that allows abuse to persist remains unresolved.
As the Catholic Church gears up for a leadership change, MacPherson's cautious outlook reflects a broader sentiment among victims. “You cannot possibly do any of that until you truly acknowledge those sins and hold those people accountable,” she concluded. The hope for a future with meaningful reform weighs heavy on the hearts of many survivors, who continue to fight for justice and a transparent Church that prioritizes the safety and well-being of children above all.
