Pope Francis Responds to Belgian Criticism, Asserts Church Has ‘No Place for Abuse’ – Reuters

Pope Francis Concludes Challenging Visit to Belgium

Pope Francis concluded a weekend trip to Belgium that exposed him to some of the strongest criticism he has faced during his foreign visits. The 87-year-old pontiff encountered unusual and sometimes intense challenges at three of the five significant events over his three-day stay.

During a meeting with Belgian dignitaries on Friday, both King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo urged the pope for more concrete actions to support survivors of clerical abuse. At two Catholic universities later in the visit, officials openly criticized his views on the role of women in the church and society.

While Francis did not specifically address the criticisms at his final event— a Mass celebration held at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium— he enhanced the prepared text of his sermon, making a vigorous denunciation of abuse within the Church. “There is no place for abuse,” he stated, eliciting scattered applause from the crowd of approximately 37,000. He further urged, “I ask everyone, do not cover up abuse. I ask bishops, do not cover up abuse.”

This trip, which included a brief visit to Luxembourg, marked Francis’s 46th journey abroad since his papal election in March 2013. The visit was intended to commemorate the 600th anniversary of two Catholic universities.

Francis has encountered similar criticisms on past tours, particularly concerning the issue of clergy sexual abuse. For instance, during his visit to Chile in 2018, demonstrators protested outside his events, and churches were vandalized prior to his arrival.

Typically, as the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, the pope is not publicly challenged by political leaders or Catholic officials associated with his events. However, at UCLouvain on Saturday, shortly after Francis’s address, faculty and students released a statement expressing their “disapproval” of his perspective on women.

Although the pope’s speech primarily called for global action on climate change, he also responded to a letter from students and teachers regarding the Church’s stance on women. Francis reiterated that the Church does not operate like a corporation and praised women’s contributions, describing them as possessing “a fertile welcome, care, and vital devotion.”

The Vatican did not issue a response to the statement from the university. Earlier in the visit, Francis had expressed remorse for the sexual abuse committed by clergy in Belgium, asserting that the Church must "be ashamed and ask forgiveness." He also held a two-hour meeting with abuse survivors who urged him to ensure better financial compensation for victims.