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Pope Leo XIV meets abuse victims in Peru, says Church must make ‘amends’
Pope Leo XIV met six survivors of clerical abuse in Peru, listening to their accounts and discussing healing, truth and safer environments. The meeting comes as he returns to a country where he spent nearly two decades as a missionary and bishop, and where he had previously been assigned to hear from victims of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae.
The society was disbanded in 2025 after allegations of sexual, physical and psychological abuse and corruption. Leo told bishops the Church must make amends and build a culture of prevention and protection; the Vatican has also announced plans for a listening channel in Lima and compensation using seized assets. One survivor said victims need psychological and medical care, social reintegration and financial support.
In short
- Leo met six abuse survivors in Peru.
- He said the Church must make amends.
- Plans include a Lima listening channel and compensation.
Explained simply
The Catholic Church is a worldwide religious institution led by the pope, with local leaders such as bishops overseeing its work in each country. Clerical abuse refers to abuse by clergy or other people working for the Church; survivors have called for their accounts to be heard and for support with its lasting effects.
Sodalitium Christianae Vitae was a Catholic society active in Peru. It was disbanded in 2025 after allegations of sexual, physical and psychological abuse and corruption. The case is part of wider efforts to address abuse within the Church and to improve how it protects people.
Leo XIV served as a missionary and bishop in Peru for nearly two decades before becoming pope. The Church’s response matters to survivors seeking care and recognition, and to questions about how its leaders prevent abuse and respond when it occurs.