Pope Leo to Meet Abuse Survivors in Spain

Pope Leo is set to meet with survivors of clergy sexual abuse during his visit to Spain and the Canary Islands, a move aimed at acknowledging the victims' experiences. While the Vatican confirmed the meeting, specifics will remain confidential to protect the survivors' privacy.

Pope Leo will engage with survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy on his tour of Spain, marking a significant moment in addressing the Church's troubled history. The Vatican, on Friday, confirmed this meeting will occur but withheld further details to safeguard the survivors' privacy.

This visit, happening from June 6 to June 12, marks the first international trip for Pope Leo, the first U.S. pope. Media speculated about the meeting in recent days, culminating in an official announcement.

A recent report by Spain's human rights ombudsman has highlighted the profound scale of abuse, estimating hundreds of thousands affected over the decades, mirroring other abuse scandals globally that have rocked the Church.