Belgian Leaders Criticize Pope Over Abuse Scandal

During Pope Francis's visit to Belgium, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and King Philippe delivered strong criticisms of the Catholic Church's historical sex abuse scandals and the need for accountability and reparations for victims. De Croo's speech, marked by a rare diplomatic directness, called for 'concrete steps' to address the church's legacy of abuse and emphasized that victims must be prioritized over institutional interests. Both leaders highlighted the ongoing trauma from decades of abuse and cover-ups that have severely damaged the church's credibility in Belgium. Pope Francis acknowledged the church's shame, describing clerical abuse as a 'scourge' that must be confronted with humility and a commitment to prevent future occurrences. He expressed the need for the church to ask for forgiveness and to recognize its failings in addressing these issues. This visit underscores the urgent demand for transparency and justice within the Catholic Church, particularly in light of recent revelations and ongoing inquiries.