Yesterday evening, the Pope met with fifteen victims of sexual violence committed within the Church. These Belgians were able to share their experiences and their questions with the head of the Catholic Church.
The Pope, fifteen victims, two psychologists and two translators were present during this exceptional meeting which took place yesterday evening at the apostolic nunciature in Brussels. During this interview which lasted more than two hours, Jean-Marc Turne (78 years old) and Anne-Sophie Cardinal (44 years old), victims of sexual violence within the Church, were able to directly challenge the Pope regarding these scandals .
I’m convinced we didn’t get an answer.
“Nothing will happen, I’m convinced we didn’t get an answerbelieves Jean-Marc. The only thing I can say is that as a man, he was certainly very moved because listening to fifteen people who have things to say to him… You have to have endurance.“An endurance which is not enough for Jean-Marc who confides his disappointment.”I asked him the question of the responsibility of the Church and he replied: “Who is the Church?” He beat around the bush saying, but it’s not the pope, it’s not the bishops, it’s everyone, it’s you too. And him, nothing. He doesn’t feel responsible in any way“.
I have the impression that if we don’t have something at mass, it will be quite desperate.
“He asks for forgiveness, he says he is ashamed and it hurts his heart. Good ! It gives us a nice leg”, considers Jean-Marc who nevertheless highlights an interesting exchange on the subject of the prescription of child criminal acts. “He said a very important thing in relation to prescriptions. He said that when facts were prescribed by the justice of men, within the Vatican, he undoes the prescription. He makes the decision and the priest in question or the bishop is removed from the Church So he cannot support the idea of prescription.“.
Jean-Marc hopes that the pope will become more involved during his mass scheduled for Sunday. “I have the impression that if we don’t have something at mass, it will be quite desperate for everyone, but perhaps particularly for a few people who were there and who, really, put all their hope in this person“.
Compensation for victims
A request for an increase in the victims’ compensation has been submitted. “We did not talk about the amount as such, but we are clear on the fact, and he is also clear on the fact that what is being achieved and obtained for the moment is totally insufficient.“, says Anne-Sophie Cardinal, victim of sexual abuse within the Belgian Catholic Church.
“I am waiting for an intervention for mass on Sunday, a strong speech in front of the faithful, in front of the world, which can also really impact public opinion in relation to everything that has happened.hopes Anne-Sophie Cardinal. I believe he is fully capable of it, I think he will take the lead“.
Pope in Belgium Pope Francis in Brussels church sexual abuse
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