Belgian PM criticizes Pope Francis over sex abuse cover-up
- Prime Minister Alexander De Croo criticized the Catholic Church for its legacy of clerical sex abuse during Pope Francis's visit.
- The visit followed a documentary that reignited public outrage and led to investigations into the church's handling of abuse cases.
- Survivors are demanding substantial reparations, highlighting the church's need for meaningful change and accountability.
During Pope Francis's visit to Belgium, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo delivered a strong speech addressing the Catholic Church's long-standing issues with clerical sex abuse and cover-ups. He emphasized the need for the church to take concrete actions to acknowledge past misdeeds and prioritize the needs of victims over institutional interests. This visit comes in the wake of a documentary that reignited public outrage over the church's handling of abuse cases, leading to investigations by Belgian authorities. King Philippe also expressed the necessity for the church to work diligently to atone for its past wrongs. The ongoing scandal has severely impacted the credibility of the church in Belgium, contributing to a decline in its influence and membership. Victims have called for substantial reparations and a universal system to address their trauma, highlighting the inadequacy of current compensation efforts. The pope acknowledged the shame associated with these abuses and the need for the church to confront its past, but many survivors remain skeptical about the church's commitment to meaningful change.