Pope Francis Addresses Clergy Abuse in Belgium

Pope Francis concluded a challenging visit to Belgium, addressing around 39,000 attendees at the King Baudouin Stadium, where he emphasized that there is 'no place for abuse' and urged the Church to be transparent about past abuses. He condemned the cover-up of sexual abuse, describing it as a 'disease' and called for accountability among bishops, following increasing pressure from Belgian officials and victims' advocates during his trip. While his messages resonated positively with some attendees, Francis faced criticism for comments on abortion and the role of women in the Church, including praising Belgium's late King Baudouin for opposing abortion legislation. His remarks on these topics drew backlash from some political and academic circles. The visit, marked by the backdrop of a documentary leading to renewed allegations of abuse, highlighted ongoing struggles within the Church to confront its past. Despite the criticism, the Pope's insistence on accountability was a central theme of his message, as he met with abuse survivors and stressed the need for an open dialogue about past wrongs.