Pope Francis Faces Harsh Realities in Belgium Amid Clergy Abuse Scandals

Pope Francis' visit to Belgium is clouded by the country's history of clergy sex abuse and cover-ups. Abuse survivors have written an open letter, urging him to take responsibility and implement universal reparations. As parliamentary investigations reveal more harrowing stories, Francis' trip is markedly different from his recent enthusiastic reception in Asia.

Fresh from his enthusiastic reception in Asia, Pope Francis arrives in Belgium this week to face a grim reality. The country's long-standing history of clergy sex abuse and institutional cover-ups has resurfaced, as survivors demand reparations and accountability.

During his four-day visit, Francis will meet with 15 abuse survivors, who have penned an open letter urging him to assume responsibility for the damages caused by clergy abuse. This somber encounter comes amid ongoing parliamentary investigations into the mishandling of a 2010 criminal probe into church-related sex crimes.

The controversy has cast a shadow over the trip's official purpose — celebrating the 600th anniversary of Belgium's Catholic universities' founding. In a stark contrast to his rapturous welcome in Asia, Francis' visit to Belgium underscores the enduring impact of the scandal and the church's struggle to address it.

(With inputs from agencies.)