Pope Leo XIV meets five abuse survivors during Argentina visit

Pope Leo XIV met with survivors of clergy abuse on Monday during his visit to Argentina. The Vatican said the pope spent about an hour meeting individually and then as a group with five victims chosen by the local church.

Leo listened to their painful stories and proposals to consolidate paths of healing in the church, according to a statement from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. The pope also expressed his closeness and desire to reinforce paths of protection, welcome, and accompaniment in the church.

“We profoundly respect the five people who spoke to the pope and what each of them shared.”

The meeting took place before Leo left for an event at the Catholic University of Argentina. Another meeting with abuse survivors is expected after he arrives later this week in Peru.

Victims groups said they had wanted to meet with Leo but were denied. One group of 43 women alleges they were subjected to human trafficking and forced labor at centers of the conservative group Opus Dei in Argentina.

Their allegations implicate senior members of Opus, some of whom have been formally accused in a criminal investigation into the women's claims. Prosecutors have requested that the members be summoned for questioning, but the judge has not ordered it. Opus has denied wrongdoing.

A victims' group called Ending Clergy Abuse criticized the fact that the decision on who to present to the pope was left up to Argentine church leaders. The group said Opus victims and hearing impaired survivors from a notorious school for the deaf had wanted to meet with Leo.