The Church must learn from victims of violence, the pope says during his trip to Belgium

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Pope Francis said Saturday that the Catholic Church must learn from victims of child sexual abuse, he was pressed on the issue on the second day of his visit to Belgium, partly overshadowed by past scandals.

During the meeting in Brussels, answering a scripted question from a representative of an organization helping victims of molestation, the Pope admitted that the Church was inflicting “horrible suffering and wounds” on him.

“A great dose of mercy is needed so that we do not harden our hearts against the suffering of the victims, so that we can help them feel our closeness,” Francis said during a meeting with clergy and pastors, a day after meeting a group of Belgian victims of violence.

“We must learn from them, as you said, to be a Church at the service of all, belittling no one,” the 87-year-old pope told those gathered in the cavernous Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, one of the largest churches in the world.

“Indeed, one of the roots of violence is the abuse of power when you use your position to crush or manipulate others.”

His words came in response to the words of Mia De Schamphelaere, a Belgian politician and coordinator of the Flemish center for victims of violence, who asked how the Church can learn from its mistakes and create a safe environment for all.

Decades of scandals and cover-ups weighed heavily on the pope’s visit to Belgium, where last year a hugely influential documentary put the issue back on the front pages, encouraging new victims to come forward.

On Friday evening, 17 victims of clerical sexual assault shared their stories and expectations with the pope, who, according to the Vatican, “heeded” their requests.

This month, in an open letter, some victims demanded that the Pope address the pedophilia case and initiate a lawsuit for financial compensation.

Beginning his visit on Friday, Francis said the church must “seek forgiveness,” calling child sexual abuse “our shame and our humiliation” after being questioned on the matter by King Philip and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

On Saturday, in a more jovial atmosphere, Francis blessed children after his remarks, taking selfies and shaking hands with the crowd of faithful who welcomed him at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Early in the morning, the Argentine Jesuit went to another church in the city to have breakfast with homeless people and migrants.

He was later scheduled to hold talks with students in Louvain-la-Neuve in French-speaking Wallonia, especially on climate issues, before ending his visit on Sunday with a Mass. outdoors.