Pope Leo to meet clergy abuse survivors during South American tour

Pope Leo, who recently recovered from lung cancer surgery, has been declared fit for travel and will embark on a three-country South American tour from November 6 to 17, visiting Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The Vatican announced that the itinerary includes multiple meetings with individuals who allege sexual abuse by members of the Catholic clergy, underscoring the pope’s desire to stand close to those harmed by such violence.

These engagements follow similar encounters on earlier journeys, such as a two-hour session with seven French victims last month. Leo, originally from the United States and a former missionary bishop in Peru, has repeatedly expressed commitment to ending child abuse within the Church. The upcoming meetings are part of a broader effort to address the scandal and demonstrate pastoral concern.