Pope Leo XIV holds hour-long meeting with six Peruvian abuse survivors
The pontiff also urged bishops to emulate saints and prioritize prevention during his visit to Lima.
By Harper Foster ·
Pope Leo XIV spent more than an hour speaking individually with six survivors of clerical and institutional abuse in Lima, Peru.
The meeting took place on Nov. 12 at the Apostolic Nunciature, according to the Holy See Press Office. The six individuals had suffered harm from members of the clergy and ecclesial institutions within the country. The Vatican statement noted that some of the survivors were formerly linked to the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a lay movement that Pope Francis suppressed in 2025.
The pope began the session with a greeting in the Nunciature chapel before sitting with each person separately. He listened to their accounts of suffering and discussed methods for changing institutional mentality. Topics included listening to victims, seeking truth, pathways to healing, and creating safe environments.
At the end of the session, the pope thanked the group for their testimony. He expressed closeness to them and to other victims of abuse who were not present at the meeting.
Earlier that day, the pope addressed the country’s bishops. He cited the examples of Sts. Martin de Porres and Juan Macías, stating that their humility teaches the faithful to recognize Christ in the least among us. He emphasized that charity begins with simple gestures and listening ears, and that no person should be judged by rank, origins, or social status.
The pope specifically referenced the pain caused by abuses perpetrated by clergy or within the Church. He stated that the Church must respond with truth, justice, forgiveness, and amends. He called for a resolute commitment to a culture of prevention and protection for the weakest in light of such crimes.
During a mid-morning prayer with clergy, consecrated men and women, and laity, the pope said Peru needs visible signs of reconciliation and love. He described the need for a Church that builds bridges, listens, heals, and forgives while acknowledging its own infidelities and asking for forgiveness for wounds caused within and around the community.
