Pope meets abuse victims in Peru, says Church must make ‘amends’
The US-born pope is on a nostalgic return to the nation he calls his ‘homeland’ and is familiar with the abuse scandal from his time working in Peru as a missionary and bishop.
Pope Leo XIV met with six victims of clerical abuse in Peru, including those affiliated with the disbanded Catholic society, Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV). The US-born pontiff, on a nostalgic return to his homeland, spent over an hour with each victim, listening to their suffering and expressing gratitude for their testimony.
SCV, founded in the 1970s and widespread in Latin America, was disbanded in 2025 following allegations of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse, as well as corruption. In an address to bishops, Pope Leo described clerical abuse as a global scourge, causing immense pain, and pledged to make amends to victims and foster a culture of prevention and protection.
The Vatican plans to establish a listening channel in Lima to assist victims and compensate them using assets seized from the lay movement. Renzo Orbegozo, a 50-year-old SCV victim, emphasized the need for comprehensive reparation, including psychological, medical, and social support. The pope's South American tour, which includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, has drawn crowds, and he has addressed sensitive topics such as machismo and violence against women.
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