Belgium’s Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, delivered a scathing speech to Pope Francis, demanding “concrete steps” to address the Catholic Church’s legacy of clerical sex abuse and cover-ups. De Croo emphasized the need for reparations and justice for victims, putting their interests ahead of the institution. King Philippe also spoke out, calling for the church to atone for its crimes and help victims heal. The abuse scandal in Belgium has severely damaged the hierarchy’s credibility and led to a decline in Catholicism and the church’s influence.
De Croo emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring victims are heard and supported. He stated that words alone are not enough and called for the church to come clean about its past in order to move forward. The abuse scandal in Belgium has been ongoing for decades, with revelations of abuse and cover-ups continuing to emerge.
Pope Francis, who had defrocked a bishop involved in the scandal earlier this year, applauded at the end of De Croo’s speech. He is expected to meet with victims privately to address their concerns. The strong words from De Croo and King Philippe highlight the continued pain and anger caused by the abuse scandal in Belgium. The call for justice and accountability from top government officials underscores the need for true repentance and reform within the Catholic Church.
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