The death of Pope Francis has sparked renewed calls for the Catholic Church to take decisive action against sexual abuse. Survivors of clergy sexual abuse, through the Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (SNAP), are urging the next pope to institute a zero-tolerance law for sexual abuse, a critical step towards protecting future generations and restoring trust in the Church.
Transparency and Accountability Demanded
Survivors are demanding greater transparency in handling abuse allegations, with thorough investigations and no secrecy or cover-ups. They also want the Church to publicly disclose the names of accused clergy and the outcomes of investigations. Furthermore, they are calling for accountability for bishops who have hidden or ignored abuse, with potential removal from office for those who cover up abuse.
Support for Victims
In addition to justice, survivors are seeking better support, including counseling services, financial compensation, and long-term care to help them heal from deep emotional, physical, and spiritual trauma. They want the Church to provide ongoing support, rather than just apologizing and moving on.
Prevention and Education
Survivors stress the importance of prevention and education, with mandatory training programs for clergy and staff to recognize, prevent, and report abuse. This would help ensure that everyone working in the Church knows how to protect children and vulnerable adults.
A Call to Action for the Next Pope
As the Church begins a new era, survivors and advocates hope the next pope will take bold steps to bring lasting change and end the cycle of abuse that has harmed so many lives. With high-profile abuse cases highlighting the need for reform, the next pope has an opportunity to make a significant impact.