Overview

• Pope Francis has vowed to root out the 'scourge' of clerical sexual abuse, emphasizing the need for the Church to seek forgiveness and take concrete steps.
• Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and King Philippe pressed the Pope to prioritize victims and ensure transparency in addressing past abuses.
• Francis acknowledged the Church's shame and committed to implementing a global prevention program to prevent future abuses.
• The Pope also addressed the forced adoption scandal in Belgium, where nuns took newborns from unmarried mothers between 1945 and 1980.
• Francis is scheduled to meet with 15 abuse survivors during his visit, highlighting the ongoing efforts to support victims and rebuild trust.