The Face of Mercy / Daniel Conway

Church must ‘spare no effort’ to combat evil of sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is the work of the devil, Pope Francis said at the conclusion of the meeting of bishops from all over the world held at the Vatican in February. And Church personnel who engage in sexual abuse, or cover it up, “become tools of Satan.”

The Holy Father went on to say that there can be no explanation, or excuse, for the abuse of minors and others who are vulnerable. That’s why it’s important to “recognize with humility” that the Church stands “face to face with the mystery of evil.” Even one case—one unspeakable instance of atrocity—must be “faced with the utmost seriousness,” the pope says.

“Acts of violence take place not only in the home, but also in neighborhoods, schools, athletic facilities and, sadly, also in Church settings,” the Holy Father said. This is a “universal problem,” and the evil is no “less monstrous when it takes place within the Church.” It’s actually more scandalous, the pope said, because it’s “incompatible with the Church’s moral and ethical credibility.”

Pope Francis’ remarks were given at the conclusion of an unprecedented meeting of the presidents of bishops’ conferences, heads of the Eastern Catholic Churches, superiors of men’s and women’s religious orders and Roman Curia officials. As was predicted, the pope’s observations were not applauded by everyone. Some thought he said too much about “pressure from the media” and “journalistic practices that exploit tragedy.” Others argued that the pope didn’t go far enough in condemning the Church’s role in the “universal problem” of sexual abuse.

Although the Vatican has warned observers that no definitive actions would be announced at the end of the weeklong meeting, Pope Francis did list eight “best practices” in the effort to “confront the causes and effects of these grave crimes.” In keeping with the pope’s designation of sexual abuse as a universal problem, the best practices he listed draw on guidelines published by the World Health Organization as well as work done by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and reflections provided by the 190 participants in the meeting of bishops’ conference presidents.

What are these best practices?

• As summarized by Courtney Grogan writing for the Catholic News Agency, these are:
• A “change of mentality” to focus on protecting children rather than “protecting the institution.”
• A recognition of the “impeccable seriousness” of these “sins and crimes of consecrated persons.”
• A genuine purification beginning with “self-accusation.”
• Positive formation of candidates for the priesthood in the virtue of chastity.
• Strengthening and reviewing of guidelines by episcopal conferences, reaffirming the need for “rules.”
• The accompaniment of those who have been abused with an emphasis on listening.
• Ensure that seminarians and clergy are not enslaved to an addiction to pornography.
• Combat sexual tourism around the world.

The primary goal of every measure, Pope Francis said, has to be the protection of minors from any form of psychological and physical abuse. To achieve this, “a change of mentality is needed to combat a defensive and reactive approach to protecting the institution and to pursue, wholeheartedly and decisively, the good of the community by giving priority to the victims of abuse in every sense.”

The Holy Father also said that the Catholic Church will “spare no effort” to do what’s necessary to bring justice to those who’ve been hurt, never staying silent or failing to treat each case with the seriousness it deserves.

Finally, beyond preventing abuse, Pope Francis said that the Church needs a “constantly renewed commitment to the holiness of pastors,” constantly questioning how best to protect children, avoid these crimes and bring healing to survivors and victims.

Sexual abuse is a “monstrous” universal problem that is “incompatible with the Church’s moral and ethical credibility,” but precisely because it is a work of the devil, more than “natural” means are required to combat it. Holiness, spiritual renewal and the power of prayer are indispensable when confronting pure evil.

Practical measures are important—absolutely necessary—to combat the universal problem of sexual abuse, especially in the Church. But openness to the power of God’s grace is even more important. That’s why a key element in the Church’s response to this unspeakable evil must be the ongoing formation of holy priests and bishops who are totally dedicated to leading chaste lives and serving God’s people with humility and moral integrity.

Let’s pray for Pope Francis and all bishops throughout the world. May the power of God’s grace fill them with holy zeal and the commitment to do whatever is necessary to protect all and heal the wounds caused by the grave sin of clergy sexual abuse and its cover‑up.
 

(Daniel Conway is a member of The Criterion’s editorial committee.) †