Activists Demand Pope Expel Clergy Abusers Before Latin America Tour
Protesters in Lima urge zero-tolerance policies as Pope Leo XIV begins regional visit.
1Protests Precede Papal Visit
Activists gathered in Lima this Thursday to demand the expulsion of sexual abusers from the Catholic Church. This demonstration occurred just before Pope Leo XIV begins his scheduled tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. The group seeks immediate institutional action regarding a long-standing scandal that has deeply affected the local community.
2List of Accused Clergy
The US-based nonprofit Bishop Accountability presented a list containing 77 clergy members. These individuals have been publicly accused of sexually abusing minors within Peru. The list includes high-ranking Church officials, such as Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani, highlighting the scale of the allegations that the organization is currently bringing to public attention.
3Regional Tour Context
The 71-year-old pontiff is set to visit Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru starting this Friday. Peru holds personal significance for the Pope, as he lived there for nearly two decades. During this time, he served in various roles including as a missionary, a parish priest, and eventually as a local bishop.
4Vatican Response Plans
The Vatican officially announced that Pope Leo XIV will meet with abuse victims during his upcoming Latin American tour. However, the administration has not provided specific details regarding the timing or structure of these meetings. This lack of transparency remains a point of contention for activists seeking concrete, measurable institutional reforms.
5Call for Zero Tolerance
Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of Bishop Accountability, urged the implementation of a strict zero-tolerance decree. She argued that the Church must permanently remove not only those guilty of abuse but also those who actively covered up such crimes. This policy is presented as the primary mechanism to improve the current situation.
6Demanding Civil Accountability
José Escardo, president of the Survivors' Network of Abuse in Peru, echoed these demands for systemic change. He emphasized that accused individuals must be placed in the hands of the civil justice system. According to Escardo, the Church's internal judgment is insufficient for addressing the severity of these criminal allegations against minors.
7Historical Investigation Precedent
Escardo is a victim of a conservative group that was dissolved by the Pope in 2025. This action followed a comprehensive seven-year investigation conducted by the Vatican into the group's activities. This historical context serves as a reference point for activists who are currently pushing for broader, more consistent disciplinary measures.
8Future Institutional Expectations
The pressure on the Vatican to address these allegations remains high as the tour commences. Observers are watching to see if the Pope will move beyond private meetings toward formal policy changes. The demand for civil cooperation and permanent expulsion represents a significant challenge to the Church's traditional internal handling of abuse.