Bukola Afeni
Pope Leo XIV has said that the sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults by Catholic priests remains a “deep wound” in the Church, warning that the failure to listen to victims has often intensified their suffering.
Speaking at the conclusion of a two-day, closed-door consistory at the Vatican, the US-born pontiff said the abuse crisis continues to scar the Church in many parts of the world.
According to a Vatican transcript, he stressed that genuine listening is essential, saying the scandal has been worsened when victims were turned away rather than welcomed.
“Listening is profoundly important. We cannot close our eyes, nor our hearts,” he said, urging bishops to acknowledge the pain of victims and ensure they are heard.
Recalling a recent conversation, the pontiff added: “A victim recently told me that the most painful thing for her was that no bishop wanted to listen to her.”
