MADRID, Spain — Pope Leo XIV said Saturday that sexual abuse within the Catholic Church remains “an open wound” as he arrived in Spain for a seven-day state visit that will include a meeting with abuse victims.
Leo made the remarks to reporters aboard the papal plane upon arriving in Madrid at the start of his trip.
“Abuse is still an open wound,” the pope said.
The visit will take Leo to Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands during his weeklong stay in the country.
The Vatican has said the pope’s itinerary includes a meeting with victims of clergy sexual abuse, an issue that has remained a major challenge for the Catholic Church in recent decades.
Leo’s remarks came as church leaders continue efforts to address abuse cases and strengthen measures aimed at protecting minors and ensuring accountability within the institution.
