Pope Leo XIV urges patience from abuse victims as Rupnik trial begins after decades of delays; meets 15 Belgian survivors in emotional 3-hour session.
Newsroom (10/11/2025, Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV on Saturday hosted 15 Belgian victims of clerical sexual abuse at the Vatican, many of whom had previously met with his predecessor, Pope Francis, during a September 2024 visit to Belgium. The nearly three-hour encounter, described by the Holy See press office as unfolding in a “climate of closeness with the victims, of listening and dialogue, both profound and painful,” was accompanied by members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM). The commission had met separately with the group earlier that day, continuing discussions initiated in July when a PCPM delegation traveled to Belgium.
This meeting comes amid escalating tensions over the Church’s handling of abuse cases, particularly the high-profile affair involving Father Marko Rupnik, a Slovenian priest and renowned mosaic artist accused of serial spiritual, psychological, and sexual abuse against dozens of victims—primarily women religious—over three decades. Rupnik, expelled from the Jesuits in 2023 for disobedience rather than abuse, was incardinated into the Diocese of Koper and reportedly resides in Rome, retaining his priestly faculties despite credible allegations.
Just days earlier, on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV made headlines by publicly asking victims for patience as judicial processes unfold. Speaking to journalists outside his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, the pontiff acknowledged the difficulty of his request: “I know it’s very difficult for the victims to ask that they be patient, but the church needs to respect the rights of all people.” He emphasized the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” within the Church, directly addressing queries about Rupnik.
The remarks, while doctrinally sound, struck many as tone-deaf given the context. Rupnik’s case exemplifies decades of alleged cover-ups by Jesuit superiors and Vatican officials. Accusations date back to the 1990s, involving abuse within a religious community he co-founded in Slovenia. Despite complaints, Rupnik achieved global fame, preaching the 2020 Lenten retreat to the Roman Curia—an honor signaling elite favor—and creating mosaics adorning sites like the Vatican and Lourdes.
Critics highlight disparate treatment: Pope Francis waived the statute of limitations in 2023 under pressure from the PCPM and public outrage, allowing a Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) trial to proceed. Yet, it took until October 13, 2025, to empanel five judges. In contrast, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu faced swift action for financial misconduct—resigning his post, losing cardinal privileges pre-charges, and enduring a trial under amended Vatican laws, resulting in conviction (now under appeal).
Survivor advocate Antonia Sobocki of the UK-based LOUDfence told Crux that credibly accused individuals like Rupnik should be remanded to protect the public, not left free. “To permit an individual credibly accused of such actions to remain free in a community is not a neutral act,” she said. “It puts the innocent at risk.”
Rupnik’s artwork, dubbed “rape art” by victims, remains in prominent locations, triggering trauma. Some sites, including Lourdes, have covered pieces; Vatican websites have quietly removed images. Responding to EWTN’s Magdalena Wolinska-Reidi on removing or covering works, Leo noted ongoing sensitivity efforts but stressed the trial’s importance: “A new trial has recently begun… hopefully, this trial that is just beginning will be able to give some clarity and justice to all those involved.”
Leo inherited this “unholy mess” from Francis, who once hosted Rupnik and used his art in messages despite emerging details. Observers argue the pontiff must avoid tipping scales, ensuring impartial justice without perceived interference—such as ordering Vatican chapel coverings, which could sway the trial.
For victims worldwide, patience has worn thin after decades of delays. The Rupnik saga underscores systemic failures in addressing abuse and cover-ups. As Leo balances due process with demands for accountability, the Church faces a pivotal test: delivering justice seen as fair, swift, and victim-centered.
- Raju Hasmukh with files form Crux Now
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