Pope Francis Arrives in Belgium: A Visit Marked by Calls for Accountability and Healing
Pope Francis arrived in Belgium on September 26, 2024, amid heavy rain and significant anticipation. This visit, extending over four days to also include Luxembourg, is partly aimed at commemorations marking the 600th anniversary of two notable Catholic universities. Yet the emotional atmosphere is deeply intertwined with the shadow of past clerical sexual abuse and the call for reparations and justice from survivors.
During his address to civil authorities from various parts of Belgium on September 27, the Pope emphasized the importance of making peacemaking efforts a top priority. He acknowledged the contributions of the Church to society through charitable endeavors but did not shy away from recognizing the pain and suffering caused by the Church's past transgressions. Speaking candidly about these dark periods, he acknowledged the need for the Church to grapple with its history and the vulnerabilities of its members, admitting, "the fragility and shortcomings of her members, who are never fully up to the task entrusted to them since it is always beyond their capacity."
With sexual abuse scandals still roiling the Catholic community both locally and globally, Pope Francis’s visit is underscored by growing scrutiny of his leadership on the matter. He has often stressed the need for justice and reform within the Church; yet, critics point to the slow and inconsistent implementation of promised changes.
The Pope met privately with 15 survivors of clergy abuse later on the same day, the significance of such encounters highlighted by previous complaints from victims who seek genuine restitution rather than mere apologies. “I hope he’s sincere, and my message touches him,” remarked one of the survivors, Aline Colpaert.
Earlier speeches by key political figures, including King Philippe of Belgium and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, were remarkable for their frankness, openly chastising the Church for its mishandling of abuse cases. King Philippe articulated the overdue acknowledgment of victims’ suffering and stated, "It has taken far too long for the cries to be heard and acknowledged.”
De Croo directly addressed the Pope, insisting, "You are committed to justice, but there is still a long way to go… Today, words alone do not suffice. We also need concrete steps.” The Prime Minister implored the Pope to prioritize the voices of victims, stating their right to clarity and the truth must be at the forefront of the Church’s efforts moving forward.
Pope Francis responded to these earnest addresses, affirming his view on the matter with heartfelt sincerity. "The Church must be ashamed and ask for forgiveness and try to resolve this situation with Christian humility,” he said. His tone remained somber as he acknowledged the narrative of shame tied to clerical abuse, likening it to King Herod’s infamous decree to slaughter the innocents. “This is the shame, the shame we must all take today and ask for forgiveness,” he reflected, highlighting his commitment to addressing these injustices resolutely.
Despite the Pope’s affirmations and hints at progress during his tenure, many advocates remain skeptical. Since his papacy began, they argue, he has often relied on apologies without accompanying substantive actions to prevent future abuses. Critics maintain he has failed to sufficiently execute systemic reform measures, leaving much of the victim’s advocacy still unresolved.
Meanwhile, alongside the shadows of sexual abuse, the visit was also marred by revelations of forced adoptions tied to the Church. Investigations have uncovered instances where Belgian nuns took newborns from mothers between 1945 to 1980, affecting approximately 30,000 children. Recognizing these painful truths, the Pope expressed his sorrow during the address, emphasizing how cultural stigmas surround single mothers during earlier decades contributed to these tragedies.
The Pope illuminated, “I was saddened to learn about the practice of ‘forced adoptions’…We should never conform to the predominant culture.” He stressed the importance of societal awareness and sensitivity, emphasizing the necessity for the Church not only to reflect on its past mistakes but also to advocate for systemic changes.
While recognizing various historical issues might signal movement toward healing, survivors and advocates insist true transformation should manifest not only through words but also through established frameworks ensuring accountability and prevention moving forward. Millions across the globe watch closely as the Pope tackles these blighted chapters, hoping it leads to heartfelt restoration and justice for those who have suffered within the Church’s walls.
