Pope scheduled to meet with abuse victims during visit to Spain

By Salvatore Cernuzio

The Pope’s apostolic journey to Spain, which begins tomorrow, June 6, will also include a meeting with “victims of abuse by members of the clergy in Spain.” This was confirmed by Matteo Bruni through the Holy See Press Office’s Telegram profile, following “reports circulated by the media.”

“The meeting was organized by the Spanish Church. Further information may be provided after the meeting itself, with respect for the victims, their wishes, and their privacy,” Bruni explained.

The issue of abuse remains a painful one for the Spanish Church, which in recent years has implemented various initiatives aimed at prevention and reparation. Most recently, in March, a protocol was agreed upon by the Spanish Episcopal Conference, the Conference of Religious, and the Ministry of the Presidency to address this painful reality with truth and justice.

Several local media outlets have raised the issue ahead of the papal visit, and some reported that a number of Spanish victims had sent letters to the Pope requesting an audience.

Today’s confirmation therefore establishes that Pope Leo XIV will hold this private, closed-door dialogue, in a similar way already seen during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI during his visits to the United States in 2008, as well as to the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. Similar meetings also took place during the pontificate of Pope Francis during visits to Chile, Ireland, Portugal, and Belgium.