Belgium’s Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, delivered a scathing speech to Pope Francis, demanding justice and reparations for victims of sexual abuse by church officials. De Croo emphasized the need for the Catholic Church to take concrete steps to address the horrific legacy of abuse and cover-ups. The prime minister’s strong words were echoed by King Philippe, who called for the church to atone for its crimes and prioritize the needs of victims above all else.
The speech highlighted the ongoing impact of the abuse scandal in Belgium, where revelations of abuse and cover-ups have eroded the credibility of the Catholic Church and led to a decline in Catholicism. De Croo emphasized the importance of listening to and recognizing the experiences of victims, stating that words alone are not enough and that action must be taken to address the past.
Belgium’s abuse scandal has unfolded over decades, with Bishop Roger Vangheluwe’s admission of sexual abuse in 2010 serving as a significant moment in exposing the depth of the crisis. Despite the delay in defrocking Vangheluwe, Pope Francis recently took action to address the situation before his visit to Belgium.
At the end of De Croo’s speech, Pope Francis applauded and is expected to meet with victims privately. The prime minister’s bold stance against the church’s handling of abuse underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice for victims in Belgium and around the world.
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