Pope Leo XIV's first year prompts theologians' reflections on abuse and reform
Updated
Updated · Global Sisters Report · May 5
Pope Leo XIV's first year prompts theologians' reflections on abuse and reform
9 articles · Updated · Global Sisters Report · May 5
Four sister theologians from Germany, Zimbabwe, India and Nigeria assess Leo's first-year record on safeguarding, accountability and church reform in a Vatican-focused feature.
They praise moves against systemic abuse, including the 2025 dissolution of Peru's Sodalitium, while warning that uneven implementation, secrecy and due-process delays still hinder justice for survivors.
The reflections frame Leo as largely continuing Francis' agenda, with calls for deeper cultural change, stronger transparency, survivor-centred healing and greater participation by women and laity.
As secular laws tighten, can the Church's internal reforms on abuse ever be enough to restore public trust?
Can a pope accused of shielding abusers in his past truly deliver justice for victims?
With the female diaconate rejected, what does a new era for women in the Church actually look like?
From Vulnerable Individuals to Persons in Vulnerable Situations: Pope Leo’s 2026 Safeguarding Revolution
Overview
In 2026, Pope Leo XIV redefined vulnerability by focusing on 'persons in vulnerable situations,' emphasizing that abuse arises from power imbalances rather than inherent victim traits. This shift places clear responsibility on Church authorities to prevent abuse and calls for broader safeguarding beyond traditional categories. The Pontifical Commission’s Memorare Initiative supports this vision by funding safeguarding efforts in the Global South, though challenges like resource limits and cultural resistance remain. Pope Leo’s leadership, grounded in canon law and Latin American pastoral experience, promotes a return to Vatican II principles and a culture of co-responsibility. While theologians welcome these reforms, survivors demand greater transparency and accountability, highlighting ongoing barriers such as clericalism and slow canonical justice processes.