As the cardinals prepare to gather in a solemn conclave at the Sistine Chapel to select a new pope, various advocacy groups representing sexual abuse survivors are making urgent appeals for resolute action regarding the ongoing crisis that has beleaguered the Roman Catholic Church for decades. In a public statement, members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) urge that the next pontiff implements a strong zero-tolerance policy toward offenders and those who facilitated their misdeeds while addressing the institution's historical mishandling of abuse cases.
Peter Isely, a prominent SNAP member, expressed the hope for collaboration with the next pope to combat and ultimately eradicate clerical sexual abuse. This sentiment underscores a broader movement among survivors, rallying for lasting change within the Church's hierarchy. Previously, the group established a comprehensive website that catalogs the responses of each cardinal to credible allegations against priests, indicating that accountability is a widespread issue among the Church's leadership.
Alongside these appeals, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that the topic of sexual abuse was prominently discussed prior to the conclave, emphasizing that it remains a "wound to be kept open" to facilitate awareness and drive resolution. SNAP has outlined a detailed plan for the new pope’s first 100 days, advocating for specific measures to conclusively address the persistent abuses within the Church.
As this pivotal moment unfolds, it is evident that the expectations for the next pope involve significant reform and a reevaluation of Church policies to ensure the safety and dignity of all congregants.
