Pope Leo XIV Says There Should Be No Tolerance For Abuse In Catholic church

Pope Leo XIV has advocated for a cultural transformation within the Catholic Church that rejects any tolerance for abuse “in any form,” while openly commending a Peruvian journalist for her efforts in uncovering abuse within a prominent Catholic organization.

In his initial public address on clerical abuse since assuming the papacy on May 8, Leo praised investigative journalist Paola Ugaz, who has endured legal and death threats due to her exposés on the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), a significant Catholic group closely connected to Peru’s elite.

“It is urgent to ingrain throughout the Church a culture of prevention that does not tolerate any form of abuse—neither of power or authority, nor of conscience or spirituality, nor sexual,” Leo wrote. “This culture will only be authentic if it is born of active vigilance, transparent processes, and sincere listening to those who have been hurt.”

He underscored the critical role of journalism in fostering that culture, describing Ugaz and other Peruvian journalists as brave and committed to truth in their probes into the SCV, which has since been disbanded.

Pope Leo, formerly a missionary and bishop in Peru, was personally aware of the SCV abuse cases and played a pivotal role in pushing for action against the group. Several survivors acknowledged his contributions as instrumental in advancing investigations.

In his statement, Leo highlighted the necessity for the Church to pursue “a concrete path of humility, truth, and reparation,” reinforcing Pope Francis’ 2018 commitment to safeguarding minors and vulnerable adults. He stressed that tackling abuse requires more than policies—it demands a genuine internal shift.

The pope’s endorsement of journalists signals a change in tone, as some church leaders have historically criticized media coverage of abuse scandals. Leo, however, lauded those who revealed the SCV’s misconduct for their “courage, patience, and fidelity to the truth,” despite enduring “unjust attacks.”

His message was delivered on June 20 during a Lima performance of Proyecto Ugaz, a play portraying Ugaz’s multiyear investigation into the SCV. The reading was given by Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, a Vatican investigator, with Ugaz present on stage.

Leo emphasized that journalism is essential to ensuring the Church becomes a space “where no one suffers in silence” and where “truth is not seen as a threat, but as a path to liberation.”

He also addressed wider press freedom concerns, particularly in Peru, where journalists have faced increasing harassment since President Pedro Castillo’s ousting in 2022.

“In this time of profound institutional and social tensions, defending free and ethical journalism is not only an act of justice, but a duty of all those who yearn for a solid and participatory democracy,” the pope stated.

“Wherever a journalist is silenced, the democratic soul of a country is weakened.”

Soon after his election, Leo met with media representatives at the Vatican, where he reaffirmed his support for a free press and demanded the release of jailed journalists. Ugaz, who was present at the meeting, greeted him warmly, presenting him with chocolates and a Peruvian scarf.

Reflecting on that moment, Pope Leo described journalism as a “sacred mission,” calling journalists “bridges between the facts and the conscience of the people.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli