Pope Leo XIV will meet victims of sexual abuse committed by members of the Catholic Church during his visit to Spain, the Vatican has confirmed.
The announcement comes just hours before the pontiff’s arrival for his first official visit to the country and follows criticism from survivors’ groups who had expressed concern that no such meeting had been included in the original programme.
In a statement released on Friday evening, the Vatican said the meeting would take place but declined to reveal the exact date or location.
Officials said further details would only be released after the encounter in order to protect the privacy of those involved.
The confirmation follows days of speculation that Leo XIV was planning to meet abuse survivors privately outside his official schedule.
Survivors and advocacy groups had repeatedly called on the Pope to hear directly from victims during his visit, arguing that such a meeting would send an important message about accountability and support.
The issue of clerical sexual abuse remains one of the most sensitive challenges facing the Catholic Church in Spain.
According to Spain’s Ombudsman, a landmark report published in 2023 estimated that hundreds of thousands of people may have suffered abuse linked to members of the clergy over several decades.
The report formed part of a wider reckoning with abuse scandals that have shaken the Catholic Church around the world.
Meanwhile, Spain’s new compensation and recognition system for victims continues to receive applications.
The Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with Parliament said that since April 15, around 300 requests have been submitted by victims seeking reparations through a scheme agreed between the Spanish government and the Church, under the supervision of the Ombudsman.
Public concern over the issue remains high.
A recent 40dB survey for Cadena SER and El Pais found that more than half of Spaniards believe the Catholic Church continues to cover up cases of child sexual abuse.
The Vatican has not disclosed how many victims will take part in the meeting with Pope Leo XIV, but the move is likely to be viewed as one of the most significant moments of his visit to Spain.
