Belgium’s Prime Minister Challenges Pope Francis on Clerical Sex Abuse
Belgium’s prime minister, Alexander De Croo, boldly confronted Pope Francis on the Catholic Church’s history of clerical sex abuse and cover-ups during the pontiff’s visit to Brussels on Friday. In a powerful address, De Croo demanded accountability and transparency, urging the Church to prioritize the needs of victims over its own institutional interests.
The prime minister’s remarks, along with a similar call from King Philippe, reflect the deep wounds inflicted by the abuse scandal in Belgium. Decades of revelations and subsequent attempts to conceal the abuse have severely damaged the credibility of the Catholic hierarchy and led to a decline in the influence of the Church across the country.
“Today, words alone do not suffice. We also need concrete steps,” De Croo asserted. “Victims need to be heard. They need to be at the center. They have a right to truth. Misdeeds need to be recognized.” The prime minister emphasized the urgency of addressing past wrongs and ensuring accountability within the Church.
The abuse scandal in Belgium has unfolded gradually over the years, culminating in a major scandal in 2010 when Bishop Roger Vangheluwe of Bruges admitted to sexually abusing his nephew for over a decade. Despite these revelations, Vangheluwe was allowed to resign without facing consequences until Pope Francis made the decision to defrock him earlier this year.
Following De Croo’s speech, Francis expressed his support and was scheduled to meet with victims privately later in the day, acknowledging the pain and trauma caused by the Church’s actions.
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