Overview
- The Vatican press office published selected passages from Pope Leo XIV’s private speech to bishops ordained in the past year, delivered the day before the release.
- The pope said cases of clerical sexual abuse “cannot be put in a drawer” and must be addressed with mercy and true justice for both victims and the accused, wording that some observers view as ambiguous.
- Il Fatto Quotidiano notes the official summary’s reference to “inappropriate behavior by clergy” and contrasts the phrasing with the tougher language used under Pope Francis.
- Leo urged prudence on social media and suggested relying on professional communicators, saying that reaching the truth can be painful but necessary.
- The guidance, which also stresses closeness to people and priests, integration of laity, avoiding closed circles, and renewed formation, arrives as reporters cite a Bolzano case in which a priest’s appointment was revoked after protests.