Survivors Urge Next Pope to Tackle Clerical Abuse Head-On

Tue Sep 30 2025 12:42:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the conclave begins, victims' groups demand firm policies to eradicate sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.

With the election of a new pope imminent, survivors of clergy sexual abuse call on the new pontiff to implement a clear zero-tolerance policy and acknowledge past wrongs in the hope of finally ending the crisis that has plagued the Catholic Church for decades.

As cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel for the papal conclave, advocacy groups for survivors of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church took the opportunity to voice their urgent demands. They are calling on the next pontiff to take definitive action to address the longstanding issue of clerical abuse, a painful chapter in the Church's history that remains unresolved.

Members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) highlighted the need for a zero-tolerance approach towards abusers and those who helped conceal their actions. "We want to work with the next pope to put an end to clerical abuse," asserted Peter Isely, a prominent advocate within SNAP, during a press conference held on the eve of the conclave. The call for accountability echoed throughout the Vatican as the world awaited a new leader of the Catholic Church.

Back in March, SNAP had launched a website detailing the handling of abuse allegations by each cardinal, revealing that most prominent church figures had varying shortcomings in addressing these serious matters effectively. This initiative was designed to ensure that the actions of cardinals are transparent and subjected to scrutiny by the public and faithful.

Matteo Bruni, the spokesperson for the Vatican, acknowledged that the cardinals had recently engaged in discussions around the issue of sexual abuse prior to entering the conclave. He referred to the topic as a “wound to be kept open,” emphasizing the need for persistent awareness and the formulation of effective solutions to this ongoing crisis.

SNAP has also prepared a strategic proposal for the next pope's first 100 days in office, outlining immediate steps the new pope should undertake to address the growing concerns of sexual abuse within the Church. As the election unfolds, survivors and advocates remain hopeful for a transformative leadership that prioritizes healing and justice over silence.