In his speech during the Pope’s visit to Laken Castle on Friday morning, the outgoing Federal Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Flemish liberal) was sharp about sexual abuse and other abuses committed by clergy over the years. King Filip (photo above) too spoke about the damage that had been caused to some many lives by abuse carried out by clergy.
Outgoing Federal PM and King discuss abuse by clergy in speeches during Pope’s visit to Laken Castle
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During his speech Alexander De Croo said that “Faith provides a foothold for many, but we cannot ignore the painful wounds that exist within the Catholic community and in wider society”
“The many cases of sexual abuse and of forced adoptions have severely damaged trust. You are committed to justice, but there is still a long way to go. We cannot accept a cover-up”.
“Now therefore words alone are not enough, clear steps must be taken. The victims must be heard and they should at the centre of everything. They have a right to the truth. The wrongdoings must be acknowledged and justice must be done."
Mr De Croo added that this goes beyond a moral duty. “It is a step that is necessary to regain trust. Human dignity should come first and not the interests of an institution”.
King Filip: “It took so long for the cries for help to be heard”.
King Philip made explicit references to sexual abuse in the church during his speech to the Pope. He referred to Pope Francis' condemnation of the abuse, but also to concrete measures the pope had taken “to combat that horrible violence”.
“Terrible suffering was inflicted on children, which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives,’ the king said. This includes the victims of forced adoption.” The King also questioned the year of inaction on the part of the church. “It has taken so long for their cries for help to be heard or recognised”.
The King added that ways have long been sought “to repair the irreparable. We know how much the Belgian Church is working towards this. These efforts should certainly continue relentlessly.”