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Pope Leo XIV Urges Bishops to Enforce Celibacy and Combat Sex Abuse

He used a gathering of 400 bishops in Rome to outline measures for rebuilding credibility through strict celibacy requirements complemented by robust abuse protocols.

Pope Leo XIV leads a meditation with the participants into the Jubilee of Bishops inside St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Leo XIV leads a meditation with the participants into the Jubilee of Bishops inside St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Leo XIV leads a meditation with the participants into the Jubilee of Bishops inside St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
A Bishop takes photos as he attends the Pope Leo XIV leading a meditation with the participants into the Jubilee of Bishops inside St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Overview

  • The pope insisted that all priests must remain celibate to uphold the church’s authentic image of holiness and chastity.
  • He called on bishops to act decisively on every case of sexual abuse, particularly involving minors, and to fully respect existing legislation.
  • He emphasized that bishops must foster unity among clergy, live in poverty and simplicity, and serve as a father figure and brother to their priests.
  • The directives were delivered during the Holy Year celebrations in St. Peter’s Basilica with about 400 bishops and cardinals from 38 countries in attendance.
  • This week’s address followed a written statement to a Peruvian journalist in which Leo demanded zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and transparent prevention processes.