Pope Leo XIV: 'The Church Will Not Tolerate Any Abuse'

A Strong Statement Against Abuse in the Church

I wish to repeat my endorsement of an uncompromising statement against any form of abuse that has occurred within the Church. Pope Leo XIV made this statement in a letter to be sent to the National Safeguarding Conference being held in Clark-Angeles, Philippines between October 20 and 24, 2025.

The message from the Pope was sent by the Archbishop of the United Kingdom, the Most Reverend Charles J. Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, to Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, Chairman of the Office on the Protection of Minors of the CBCP.

Safeguarding as a Priority for the Church

Pope Leo stressed the need for effective safeguarding measures following his thanks for the National Safeguarding Conference. Abuse of any kind is unacceptable. “The Church is one of our spiritual homes, so every parish and every type of ministry should also be a space in which God is respected and where we care for others, especially the youth and anyone in a vulnerable situation.”

The Pope reiterated the need for the Church to have a policy of zero tolerance for abuse in this context. It is imperative that the Church have policies and practices in place that promote accountability. The Pope hopes these discussions will result in establishing necessary policies and practices in handling cases of abuse, the promotion of prevention, and the protection of "these little ones" of God.

The Church as Witness to the Good Shepherd

By these types of actions, "the Church in the Philippines and throughout the world will become a truer witness to Jesus Christ - the Good Shepherd - who continues to love and care for those that are his."

In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV entrusted the attendees of the conference to the safeguarding of the Blessed Mother and bestowed upon them his Apostolic Blessing.