Pope Francis Urged by Belgian Abuse Survivors to Enhance Compensation, Reports Reuters

By Marta Fiorin and Joshua McElwee

BRUSSELS – The Catholic Church’s shortcomings in addressing sexual abuse by clergy have once again come to light during Pope Francis’ visit to Belgium this weekend. The pontiff is facing renewed demands from prominent figures and abuse survivors for more decisive action.

Belgium’s king, prime minister, and a Catholic university rector led the calls for change. In a two-hour meeting on Friday with a group of more than a dozen abuse survivors, Francis was urged to improve financial compensation for victims.

Annesophie Cardinal, a survivor who experienced abuse as a child, described the meeting as "very challenging" and noted that the survivors felt tasked with representing those who were unable to meet the pope. She emphasized that the progress made thus far is “totally insufficient.”

Another survivor, Jean-Marc Turine, expressed disappointment, stating that Francis "beat around the bush" and failed to propose concrete actions. "He asks for forgiveness, he says he is ashamed and that it hurts his heart," Turine remarked. "Well, that doesn’t help us much."

The Vatican provided limited information about the meeting, adhering to its usual practice in such encounters. In a brief statement, it noted that Francis listened to the Belgian victims and "expressed shame for what they suffered as children."

While Francis’ visit primarily commemorates the 600th anniversary of two Catholic universities, the Church’s handling of abuse cases has dominated discussions. During an earlier meeting with Belgian officials, both King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo addressed the abuse crisis with unusually strong language for a papal visit.

At a gathering with local Catholics on Saturday, a church worker from the Flanders region conveyed the feelings of "horror, sadness, and helplessness" that have emerged from the scandals.

Belgian clergy abuse victims have previously received compensation through a mediation body established by the Church, following a 2010 investigation that revealed extensive abuse over many years. The Arbitration Centre had upheld 507 claims from victims, awarding a total of three million euros. Settlements varied from 2,500 to 25,000 euros, depending on the severity of the cases; however, many survivors consider the compensation inadequate and the process opaque.

Turine, aged 78, mentioned that survivors requested during Friday’s meeting increased compensation to help cover better psychiatric treatment, and proposed that any future fund management be handled by an independent entity, separate from Church authorities.

He entered the meeting with Francis with "no expectations," stating that survivors often feel unheard within the Church. "Will the pope do something to change things drastically?" he questioned. "Many things need to change."