As Pope Francis' visit to Belgium continues, survivors are pushing for more than words from the Catholic Church's leader.
Belgium's prime minister has delivered unusually sharp criticism of Pope Francis on Friday, demanding accountability for the Catholic Church's cover-up of clerical sex abuse.Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called for 'concrete steps' from the Church to prioritize survivors and acknowledge its failings.The pope is in Belgium to celebrate the 600th anniversary of Leuven and Louvain-la-Neuve, the nation's two Catholic universities.
We also need concrete steps,' De Croo told the audience of royals, church officials, diplomats, and politicians.Pope Francis responded by acknowledging the Church's responsibility. 'This is our shame and humiliation,' he said in an unscripted remark.He is expected to meet privately with 15 of those affected during his visit.However, survivors are demanding more, including reparations and long-term support for the trauma they have endured.
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