Pope Leo to meet abuse survivors in Latin America despite recent surgery

Pope Leo XIV plans to meet with survivors of clergy sexual abuse during his November 6–17 visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, the Vatican has announced. The meetings are intended to show solidarity with survivors, support accessible paths to healing and advance efforts to make the Church a safe environment. The trip is proceeding as planned despite Leo’s recent lung cancer surgery. The planned encounters follow meetings with abuse survivors in Spain and France, where Leo emphasized listening and the need for vigilance, truth, justice and prevention. Leo also has experience addressing abuse cases in Peru, where he served as a missionary priest and helped bring about the suppression of an abusive religious movement.