Pope Leo XIV intends to meet survivors of sexual abuse committed by members of the Church during his November 6–17 apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, the Holy See Press Office announced on October 27.
The announcement adds a specific pastoral commitment to the 12-day Latin American visit confirmed by the Vatican a day earlier. The precise locations and dates of the planned encounters have not been announced.
Listening to survivors
According to the Holy See statement reported by Vatican News, the meetings are intended to express closeness to people who have suffered abuse, support paths toward healing and reinforce the Church’s responsibility to provide safe environments.
Pope Leo has previously met survivors during apostolic journeys to Spain and France. Those encounters took place in Madrid on June 8 and Lourdes on September 27, according to Vatican News. They followed earlier meetings with survivors at the Vatican.
Accountability and pastoral care
The planned meetings underscore the continuing place of listening, safeguarding and accountability in the Church’s response to sexual abuse. The Vatican has not released details about who will take part or whether the meetings will be public.
The announcement concerns plans for the forthcoming journey, rather than meetings that have already taken place. Further information may be released closer to the visit.
Source
Vatican News, “Pope Leo XIV to meet abuse survivors in Latin America,” 27 October 2026.
