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Pope Leo XIV denounced sexual violence by Catholic clergy as a “scourge” ahead of meeting with victims in Spain. The pontiff called for a culture of care in response to this issue at Spanish bishops’ gathering.
The pope planned to meet privately with victims at the Vatican embassy in Madrid, but victim representatives complained about exclusion from these meetings.
Around 200,000 minors are estimated to have suffered sexual violence by clergy in Spain since 1940. The Catholic Church and government signed an agreement in March to compensate victims.
Pope Leo XIV called for global response to migration crisis and urged lawmakers to defend life “from conception to its natural end.” He also advocated safe legal pathways for immigration and integration of migrants.
The pope’s seven-day visit includes tribute to migrant lives lost at sea, blessing of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, and meetings with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.