Pope Leo XIV has issued a powerful call for a cultural transformation within the Catholic Church, insisting there should be no tolerance for abuse “in any form” — whether sexual, spiritual, or an abuse of power and authority. His statement was made public during a theatrical performance in Lima, Peru, highlighting the work of investigative journalist Paola Ugaz, who has faced legal and death threats for exposing abuse within the influential Catholic group Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV).
In his first public remarks on clerical abuse since his election on May 8, Pope Leo emphasized the urgent need to root a culture of prevention throughout the Church. He said such a culture must be founded on active vigilance, transparent processes, and sincere listening to survivors of abuse. “This culture will only be authentic if it is born of active vigilance, transparent processes, and sincere listening to those who have been hurt,” he wrote.
The pope praised Ugaz and other Peruvian journalists for their courage and dedication in uncovering the abuses within SCV, a group closely tied to Peru’s elite, which has since been dissolved. Having served as a missionary and bishop in Peru for two decades, Pope Leo is intimately familiar with the scandal and played a key role in advancing investigations and supporting survivors.
He called journalism a “sacred mission” and described journalists as “bridges between the facts and the conscience of the people,” underscoring their essential role in fostering accountability and transparency within the Church.
The pope also addressed broader concerns about press freedom, particularly in Peru, where journalists have faced increasing intimidation since the political upheaval in 2022. He stated that defending free and ethical journalism is a duty for all who seek a strong and participatory democracy, warning that silencing journalists weakens the democratic soul of any nation.
Pope Leo’s message was delivered by Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, a Vatican investigator, during the premiere of “Proyecto Ugaz,” a play dramatizing the journalist’s years-long investigation into the SCV abuse cases. Ugaz was present on stage to witness the reading.
This strong stance marks a shift in tone from some previous church leaders who criticized media coverage of abuse scandals. Pope Leo’s unequivocal support for survivors and journalists signals a renewed commitment to confronting abuse and fostering genuine reform within the Catholic Church.
