Balance and perspectives of the current pontificate after 10 years of struggle against abuse

Abstract

The article explores the measures implemented by Pope Francis during the first ten years of his pontificate to combat sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. It presents the differing diagnoses of Benedict XVI, who attributed the problem to the 1968 Revolution and the collapse of Christian morality, and Francis, who identified elitism and clericalism within the Church as key facilitators of abuse. Francis adopted a "zero tolerance" policy and established structures such as the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and the Motu proprio Vos estis lux mundi to ensure greater transparency and accountability in addressing abuse reports. His approach includes actively listening to victims, promoting a "culture of care" within the Church, and emphasizing the training of canon lawyers to ensure a just and committed pastoral response to the protection of the vulnerable. In conclusion, despite significant advancements, the abuse crisis in the Church remains a critical challenge, requiring ongoing reform and vigilance to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the ecclesiastical institution.