Pope Francis recently embarked on one of the longest journeys of his pontificate on the 2nd of September 2024 in Asia. However, he made a significant stop in Belgium to mark the 600th anniversary of the Catholic University of Leuven, the oldest Catholic university in the world. What was meant to be a celebratory occasion quickly took a more serious turn, as the Pope was met with deep concerns over sexual abuse within the Church.
Pope Urges Transparency on Abuse
Amid the celebrations, Pope Francis confronted the elephant in the room—the sexual abuse crisis that has plagued the Church for decades. Speaking to a crowd of approximately 39,000 at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, he delivered a clear message: “Evil must not be hidden.” The Pope emphasised the need for transparency and accountability, insisting that there is “no place for covering up abuse” within the Church.
His words struck a chord as the Pope acknowledged the deep pain caused by the abuse scandals, particularly in Belgium, where numerous cases have been exposed. Pope Francis acknowledged that “the Church has not done enough,” and he urged the faithful to consider the extreme suffering that victims, their families, and society have endured. This admission received a mixed response, with some attendees expressing support for his stance, while others remained sceptical about the church’s ability to fully reform. One attendee shared that despite the scandals, their faith in the Church remained steadfast.
Controversy Over Abortion Remarks
During his return flight to Italy, Pope Francis stirred controversy with remarks about Belgium’s late King Baudouin. Praising him as a “saint” for temporarily abdicating in 1990 to avoid signing a law legalising abortion, the Pope declared, “You need a politician who wears pants to do this,” and announced plans to begin Baudouin’s beatification process upon his return to the Vatican.
These comments sparked debate in Belgium, where abortion remains a politically sensitive issue. The Pope’s strong stance on abortion, describing it as “homicidal” and likening doctors who perform abortions to “hitmen,” drew sharp criticism. His remarks were particularly provocative as Belgium is currently debating a proposal to extend the legal abortion limit from 12 to 18 weeks, making his comments all the more contentious.
Belgium’s Troubled History of Abuse in the Church
Belgium’s troubled history with sexual abuse and cover-ups within the Church made Pope Francis’ visit even more delicate. During his stay, Francis met with 17 survivors of abuse, listening to their stories and expressing regret over the Church’s inadequate response. Both Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo and King Philippe urged the Pope to take concrete actions to support and compensate victims.
A particularly infamous case that still haunts the Belgian Church is that of former Bruges bishop Roger Vangheluwe, who in 2010 admitted to abusing his nephew for 13 years. Despite his confession, Vangheluwe was only defrocked in 2024, 14 years after admitting to the abuse. Many view this delayed action as emblematic of the Church’s slow and insufficient response to the abuse crisis.
Calls for Gender Reform Go Unanswered
Beyond the abuse scandals, there were growing calls for gender reforms within the Church during the Pope’s visit. Advocates for change urged Francis to reconsider the ordination of women and address the question of female deacons. However, Pope Francis stood firm, ruling out the possibility of women becoming priests and removing the issue of female deacons from the upcoming synod’s agenda. He described the matter as “too complex” to address within a limited timeframe, leaving many disappointed and feeling that critical issues were being sidelined.
A Balancing Act Between Past and Present
Pope Francis’s visit to Belgium was a delicate balancing act. While he honoured the 600-year legacy of Leuven Catholic University, a symbol of the Church’s academic and religious contributions, he was also confronted with the pressing need to address the Church’s failings, particularly around sexual abuse and gender equality.
As the celebrations for Leuven’s milestone anniversary unfolded, the weight of the Church’s troubled past hung heavily over the event. While some people applauded the Pope’s acknowledgement of the abuse crisis and his calls for transparency, the visit highlighted the ongoing difficulties the Church is facing as it deals with the repercussions of its historical failings and the demands for reform.
