Pope Leo XIV Calls for Decisive Action Against Abuse, Reaffirms Celibacy for Priests

Pope Leo XIV urges clergy to remain celibate and calls for decisive action against abuse. Addressing bishops, he emphasizes unity, simplicity, and transparency in church governance. He reaffirms the need for celibacy as a symbol of the church's holiness and stresses zero tolerance for any form of abuse.

Pope Leo XIV, addressing leading Catholic figures, reiterated the importance of priestly celibacy and the necessity for bishops to take strong measures against sexual abuse within the church.

In his meeting with 400 bishops and cardinals at St. Peter's Basilica, the pontiff outlined leadership roles essential for bishops, emphasizing unity and the need to be approachable to their congregations. He called bishops to live humbly, opening their doors to their community, and serving as both father and brother figures to priests.

Leo stressed zero tolerance for abuse, highlighting the importance of transparency in maintaining the church's integrity. His statements reinforce the Vatican's commitment to prevent abuse and affirm a celibate priesthood as an integral image of the Catholic Church.

(With inputs from agencies.)