Pope Meets Abuse Survivors in Argentina Amid Abuse Legacy

Pope Leo XIV met with survivors of clergy sexual abuse during his visit to Argentina on November 9, 2026. The Catholic Church has faced years of criticism over sexual abuse cases and alleged cover-ups in the country. The Vatican said the Pope spent around an hour listening to survivors’ experiences and discussing ways to support healing within the Church.

However, some survivor groups were unable to meet the Pope. This included 43 women who accused members of Opus Dei of human trafficking and forced labour. A criminal investigation into their allegations is currently underway, making a direct meeting with the Pope unlikely. Popes have generally met abuse survivors during international visits, and another such meeting is expected during his visit to Peru.

Survivors are demanding stronger action against Church members involved in abuse cases. The cases of priest Julio Grassi and former Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta have highlighted concerns about accountability within the Catholic Church. Grassi was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing a minor, while Zanchetta received a four-and-a-half-year sentence for abusing seminarians.

Despite their convictions, both cases continued to raise questions about Church accountability and Pope Francis’s involvement. The Vatican generally waits until criminal appeals are completed before beginning canonical trials to avoid making decisions before the legal process ends. However, bishops are advised to remove priests from active duties while investigations are ongoing.