OPINION: Next pope should hold clergy accountable for abuse

As Catholics around the world mourn the passing of Pope Francis, the Church stands at a crossroads. With the upcoming conclave, the cardinals have a rare and solemn opportunity: to finally chart a new course. One that acknowledges the full scope of the clergy abuse crisis and begins to repair the trust so grievously broken.

But let’s be clear: This cannot happen if the next pope has any history of shielding abusers.

For more than four decades, survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy have stepped forward with courage and clarity, only to be met — again and again — with evasion, denial and cover-up at the highest levels of the Church. Each of the last three popes — John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis — has been implicated in these cover-ups, allowing known abusers to remain in ministry, and failing to hold bishops accountable for enabling harm. We cannot afford a fourth.

Pope Francis, while widely praised for his humility and compassion, leaves behind a deeply troubling legacy when it comes to abuse. During his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he consistently defended clergy accused of abuse and showed little support for survivors. Investigations by BishopAccountability.org have documented a pattern of inaction and even obstruction, from his refusal to meet with survivors in Argentina to his defense of convicted priest Julio Grassi. This is not the record of a reformer. It is the record of a man who, when given the choice, protected the institution over the vulnerable.

The Church has claimed for years that it is “learning” and “listening.” But learning means changing. Listening means acting. And yet, the same structures that allowed the abuse crisis to flourish remain in place. Bishops still operate without oversight. Abusers continue to be protected. Victims are still ignored or silenced. This must change now.

This is not just a Catholic problem. It is a moral crisis that touches the lives of millions. If the Catholic Church wishes to speak with any authority on justice, compassion or healing, it must first confront its own sins — with honesty, transparency and resolve.

That starts with choosing a pope who has never covered up abuse. Not once. Survivors and advocates around the world, including those of us at the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), are calling on the College of Cardinals to publicly commit to this simple standard. And we are urging every Catholic to raise their voice in support.

Would you trust a doctor who enabled abuse in their hospital? A teacher who looked the other way? Why should the standard for the world’s largest religious institution be any lower?

We are also calling for a zero-tolerance policy that holds not only abusive clergy accountable, but also those who protect them. This must include immediate removal from ministry, mandatory reporting to civil authorities and independent oversight of bishops. Nothing less will do.

To the faithful: learn what survivors have endured. Read their testimonies. Visit sites like BishopAccountability.org and SNAPnetwork.org. Demand better from your leaders — not in anger, but in solidarity with those who have suffered. And if you feel moved, contact your local bishop or any voting cardinal and urge them to support a pope who will act, not just speak.

A new pope alone cannot heal this wound. But he can stop making it worse.

Let this be the moment the Church stops protecting itself — and starts protecting its people.