Pope Leo XIV spent almost three hours with a group of 15 people from Belgium, all of them victims of abuse by members of the clergy when they were minors.
The Vatican Press Office described the private meeting as both “profound and painful”, and said it had concluded with a moment of prayer.
The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors organised the meeting and accompanied the group.
Pope Leos predecessor, Pope Francis, had met previously with most members of the same group when he visited Belgium in 2024.
Pope Leo XIV also received a delegation of abuse victims last October, when he met with representatives of the American association, Ending Clergy Abuse.
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TD: SPT
