Pope Leo praises journalists for reporting on abuse scandal

Pope Leo praises journalists for reporting on abuse scandal

Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the Catholic Church has to create a culture that does not tolerate abuse in "any form". He expressed this when he praised a Peruvian journalist for her reporting on allegations of abuse within an influential Catholic organization.

statements of the Pope on abuse scandals

Leo's statements that he announced on June 20 in a message have been the first since he was elected Pope on May 8. In his message, he spoke about a play that dramatizes the work of journalist Paola Ugaz, who had to endure a long series of legal disputes and death threats due to her reporting on allegations of abuse.

urgency of a culture of prevention

"It is urgently needed to anchor a culture of prevention in the entire church that does not tolerate abuse - neither abuse of power, nor the abuse of conscience or spirituality, nor sexual abuse," wrote Leo. "This culture will only be authentic if it arises from active vigilance, transparent processes and honest listening for those who have been injured."

The role of the press in the abuse situation

The Pope emphasized that the work of journalists was crucial for the implementation of this prevention culture. He praised Ugaz and other Peruvian journalists for their reporting on abuse scandals within the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), an important Catholic society with close connections to Peru powerful and wealthy circles.

The responsibility of the church

Pope Leo, who worked as a missionary and bishop in Peru for several years, came into contact with the SCV case directly during his work with Ugaz. Several survivors reported that he had made a decisive contribution to initiating measures against the now dissolved group. He pointed out that it was important for the Church to pursue a "concrete path of humility, truth and reparation" in order to combat abuse.

The importance of journalistic detection

The recognition of the work and the courage of journalists to uncover abuse scandals is significant, since some bishops had criticized the media in the past. Leo XIV said that the supporters of the sodalitium had reported "courage, patience and loyalty to truth" and were exposed to "unjust attacks".

The teachings from the past

The Pope emphasized that the church recognizes the “wound” among “many children, adolescents and adults” who were betrayed where they were looking for. In particular, he pointed out that the truth should not be regarded as a threat, but as a path to liberation.

The role of the media in Peru

In his message, Leo also emphasized the "tensions" in Peru, which has increased since President Pedro Castillo's deposition in 2022. He emphasized the importance of a free press in a country in which journalists are suspended and attacked:

"During this time profound institutional and social tensions, the protection of free and ethical journalism is not just an act of justice, but a duty for everyone who wants solid and participatory democracy," he said. "Wherever a journalist is silenced, the democratic soul of a country is weakened. The freedom of the press is an inalienable community good."

collaboration with the media landscape

Pope Leo had met media representatives in the Vatican shortly after his election and expressed his support for freedom of the press. Ugaz was present at this meeting and presented Leo a gift as a sign of appreciation.

The holy mission of journalists

in his message on June 20, Leo explained that the “Holy Mission” of the journalists consists of beating bridges between the facts and the conscience of humans.