Pope Leo meets five abuse survivors in Argentina

Pope Leo XIV met privately with five survivors of abuse by clergy or Church institutions in Argentina on November 9, listening to their accounts and proposals for healing, the Vatican said. The meeting in Buenos Aires lasted more than an hour and came during the second day of Leo’s visit to the country.

The survivors spoke with Leo individually, according to the Vatican account. They described their experiences and offered proposals for strengthening paths to healing within the Church. The Vatican said Leo reiterated a commitment to reinforce protection, welcome and support for victims, including others he was unable to meet.

The meeting took place at the Catholic University of Argentina, according to the Associated Press. The Vatican said the five participants were selected by the local Church. The pope later greeted them together, blessed them and thanked them for their testimony, according to the Holy See Press Office.

The Associated Press reported that other victim groups had sought meetings with Leo. Among them were 43 women who allege they were subjected to human trafficking and forced labor at centers run by Opus Dei in Argentina. Opus Dei denied wrongdoing. Prosecutors...