Pope Leo XIV has urged the Italian Catholic Church to build a “culture of prevention” against clerical child sexual abuse, amid mounting criticism that Italy has been slow to confront the global crisis.
Addressing the Italian Bishops Conference during its general assembly in Assisi, the pontiff called for heightened vigilance and a stronger commitment to safeguarding minors.
“I encourage particular attention to the youngest and most vulnerable, so that a genuine culture of prevention can take root,” Pope Leo said. He emphasized the importance of listening to survivors and added, “I thank you for what you have already done and encourage you to continue your efforts to protect minors and vulnerable adults.”
Notably, the Pope did not directly mention the recent report by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which warned of “substantial cultural resistance” within the Italian Church to meaningfully addressing abuse. Italy remains one of the few major Catholic nations that has not launched a national investigation into clerical sexual abuse.
Survivor groups expressed disappointment. Rete L’Abuso (The Abuse Network), Italy’s leading advocacy organization for victims, said it was “incomprehensible” that the Pope would praise the Church’s efforts.
“In Italy, there is nothing to be thankful for — and the Vatican knows this well,” founder Francesco Zanardi told AFP.
Rete L’Abuso’s October report estimated that at least 1,106 priests have been accused of sexual abuse in Italy since 2000, with nearly 4,400 known victims. The vast majority of cases, it noted, were never reported to secular authorities.
Zanardi criticized the ongoing practice of quietly transferring accused priests to other dioceses, adding that Italy still lacks laws compelling the Church to report abuse to police.
“Everything functions as it did 30 years ago,” he said. “The only difference is that what was once done in secret is now done openly.”
In October, Pope Leo XIV held his first meeting with abuse survivors since assuming office in May following the death of Pope Francis.
The US-based Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA) coalition said it urged the Pope to expand the American “zero tolerance” policy on clerical abuse to the entire Church.
According to the group, the Pope acknowledged the request but pointed to significant global resistance to such sweeping reforms.
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