Pope Leo XIV met with six survivors of clergy sexual abuse during his visit to Spain on Monday, June 8, 2026, and pledged to improve the Church's response to such cases. The meeting took place at the Spanish Episcopal Conference in Madrid, where the Pope also held talks with Spanish bishops.
Pope's Commitment to Change
During the encounter, the Pope listened to the survivors' stories and expressed his deep sorrow for the harm they suffered. He acknowledged the failures of the Church in handling abuse cases and promised to implement stronger measures to prevent future abuses and support victims. The Vatican stated that the meeting was part of ongoing efforts to address the clergy abuse crisis globally.
Bishops' Discussions
Following the meeting, Pope Leo XIV engaged in discussions with Spain's bishops, focusing on how to enhance child protection protocols and ensure accountability within the Church hierarchy. The bishops reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and cooperation with civil authorities.
This visit marks the first time a pope has met with abuse survivors in Spain, signaling a new chapter in the Church's approach to the scandal. Survivor advocacy groups have welcomed the gesture but called for concrete actions, including the removal of bishops who covered up abuses.
