Pope Leo: Failure to welcome abuse victims is a scandal

Vatican City, January 11, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has described the Church’s failure to welcome and listen to survivors of abuse as a scandal, stressing that victims must be accompanied “with the closeness of authentic pastors.”

Speaking at the conclusion of the Extraordinary Consistory held on January 7–8, the Pope addressed around 170 cardinals on an issue he said “remains a real wound in the life of the Church in many places”: the sexual abuse crisis. Although the topic was not formally on the Consistory agenda, which focused on synodality and mission, he chose to raise it in his closing address, the full text of which was published on January 10.

The Pope said abuse itself inflicts a profound and often lifelong wound, but added that an even greater scandal occurs when Church doors are closed and victims are neither welcomed nor accompanied. He recalled the testimony of a survivor he had recently met, who told him that the most painful experience was that no bishop was willing to listen. Listening, the Pope underlined, is “profoundly important”.

Emphasising that listening must also shape relations within the Church’s leadership, Pope Leo urged the cardinals to continue the dialogue begun during the Consistory. He called for deeper mutual understanding, stronger dialogue, and a concrete implementation of synodality.

Announcing next steps, the Pope said he intends to continue holding such meetings, possibly extending them to three or four days annually. These gatherings could include a day of reflection, prayer and encounter, followed by several days of work. For this year, he scheduled a second Consistory at the end of June, close to the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

He also asked cardinals to submit their reflections in writing on four themes—synodality, mission, liturgy and the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium—as well as their assessment of the Consistory and their relationship with the Pope and the Roman Curia. He promised to read their contributions carefully and to continue the dialogue.

Expressing gratitude, Pope Leo thanked the cardinals for their participation and especially acknowledged senior members who made the effort to attend, calling their presence “truly precious”. He also voiced solidarity with those unable to be present.

Reflecting on the discussions, the Pope highlighted the importance of formation at every level of Church life, rooted in local communities and attentive to those who suffer. He reaffirmed that synodality and mission are deeply rooted in the Second Vatican Council and form part of an ongoing process of conversion and renewal.

Concluding his address, Pope Leo said the Church cannot remain indifferent to poverty, war and violence. Calling for a message of hope, especially for the young, he reminded the faithful that while the Holy Door of the Jubilee has closed, “the door of Christ and His love is always open.”

Pope Leo: Failure to welcome abuse victims is a scandal

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