As cardinals prepare to elect a new pope in the Sistine Chapel, survivor groups are making urgent appeals for the forthcoming pontiff to address the ongoing sexual abuse crisis within the Church, which has persisted for decades. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, is among the prominent organizations advocating for a zero-tolerance policy towards offenders and a commitment to transparently confront past transgressions.
Peter Isely, a representative from SNAP, emphasized the need for collaboration with the new pope to effectively end clerical abuse at a press event held ahead of the conclave. In a significant move, SNAP has developed a website designed to audit each cardinal's history regarding credible abuse allegations, stating that hardly any of the Church's leaders escape culpability.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that discussions among the cardinals have included the topic of sexual abuse, which they view as an unhealed wound that needs attention to drive change and accountability within the institution. SNAP has also submitted a strategic outline detailing actionable steps for the newly elected pope's first 100 days in office, providing a framework for tackling the crisis head-on.
As the world watches the proceedings unfold, the urgent calls for reform highlight the pressing need for increased responsibility and healing within the Catholic Church's hierarchy.
