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Brave Movement
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Survivors expect Pope Leo XIV to build bridges to justice and reform

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Denise Buchanan

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Pope leo xiv

Past popes have taken different approaches to addressing clergy abuse, with varying degrees of success. Pope Francis implemented reforms such as Vos Estis Lux Mundi, which aimed to hold bishops accountable for mishandling abuse cases, but enforcement has been inconsistent.

As a Jamaican survivor of clergy sexual abuse, I have witnessed that cover-ups and systemic failures continue to plague the Church globally.

"It is imperative for the next pope to enact stronger measures to ensure past mistakes are not repeated."

When the Church adopts a zero-tolerance law into canon law and enforces safeguarding measures for children, it will be the beginning of true justice and healing. The certainty that any clergy member found guilty of sexual abuse will be permanently removed from ministry will pave the way for a Christ-centered Church, restoring trust and transparency.

"This is not merely a policy change—it is a moral imperative, a foundational shift that will signal to survivors that their voices have finally been heard."

Cardinal Robert Prevost—now Pope Leo XlV—has spoken of “building bridges to peace and
justice, welcoming everyone in dialogue and love.” Survivors accept this invitation. We have
already crafted a “zero-tolerance law” alongside canon lawyers. Now, the next crucial step is for
Pope Leo XIV to include survivors in discussions that will accelerate a way forward. A Global
Survivors Council, with the authority to oversee and enforce compliance with the zero-
tolerance law, would be a profound indicator that the Church is ready to confront this clergy
abuse crisis with genuine accountability.

The track record of American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost and the name he assumes as the
new pope, is an indication of the level setting and leadership that he will take into the forward
momentum of the Church as Pope Leo XIV—one that we hope prioritizes justice over
reputation.

"Survivors have the ability to forgive missteps of the past, however there must be a trajectory toward healing and justice for those harmed."

His words, “God loves everyone. This is a Church for everyone… Evil will not prevail,” set the tone for his papacy. Survivors now look with expectation that he will ensure the evil of clergy sexual abuse will no longer prevail.

This is a moment of reckoning. Pope Leo XIV has an opportunity to lead the Church into an era
of unwavering transparency, accountability, and survivor-centered justice. Will he rise to the
challenge? The world is watching. Survivors everywhere are waiting.

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The next Pope must have zero tolerance for child abuse: An open letter from the Brave Movement

As survivors of childhood sexual violence, we know that the Roman Catholic Church has failed historically to prevent and to root out abuse from within its own ranks. The Church he leads must report all cases of clerical sex abuse to law enforcement and share the canonical files related to every case with the civil authorities.

April 30, 2025

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How legislative and policy reform can protect children from sexual violence in religious spaces

Our mission is to put an end to the systems that allow violence against children in faith-based institutions, especially in the Catholic Church. Our role at ECA has been to examine and advocate for the reform of the laws within the Church that have allowed the sexual abuse of hundreds of thousands of children and perpetuated the cover-up of those crimes. In 2014, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child issued a series of recommendations to the Vatican to ensure the safety of children who are part of the Catholic Church: Canon Law reform. An independent mechanism for monitoring children's rights and the conduct of the Catholic hierarchy in managing sexual abuse. Multiple countries have issued reports following widespread investigations into sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, including Australia, France, England, and Wales. ECA has presented several horrendous cases of clergy sexual abuse to both committees at the United Nations, including the Provalo case in Argentina involving the abuse of deaf and mute children. This decision emphasized the need for comprehensive reparation for all forms of violence against children, including sexual abuse, physical violence, and mistreatment in public, private, and religious institutions.

December 11, 2024

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