Addressing Abuse in the Catholic Church: Activists Call for Pope Francis to Establish Funds for Nuns
Activists are calling on Pope Francis to take decisive action by setting up a fund to support nuns who have endured abuse and exploitation within the Catholic Church. This plea underscores the urgent need for attention to a long-neglected issue that has recently gained prominence.
The plight of nuns globally has garnered increased attention, particularly in light of revelations highlighted by L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican's official newspaper. Pope Francis himself acknowledged the severity of the problem in 2019, citing cases of "slavery" and "sexual slavery" within women's religious orders.
During a recent press conference organized by abuse tracking group BishopAccountability.org, German researcher and former nun Doris Reisinger emphasized the need for concrete measures. Drawing from her own experience of sexual and spiritual abuse by a priest, Reisinger urged the Pope to translate words into action.
Despite acknowledgment from Pope Francis, critics note a lack of substantive steps taken to address the abuse of nuns. Reisinger's call for a central Church fund to assist those who leave religious life highlights the urgency of the situation. She advocates for a revision of Church law to mandate orders of nuns to allocate resources for such purposes.
Moreover, Reisinger highlights the overlooked issue of coerced abortion perpetrated by priests. She urges the Pope to confront this reality and decree the mandatory defrocking of priests involved in such reprehensible acts.
The challenges faced by nuns transitioning out of religious life are immense. Many return to secular life without professional training, having been isolated from society for years. Reisinger emphasizes the need for support structures to facilitate their integration into mainstream society.
Quantifying the extent of abuse among nuns remains challenging. However, a 1998 survey conducted by Saint Louis University in the United States shed light on the prevalence of sexual exploitation. Shockingly, 12.5% of surveyed nuns reported being victims of sexual exploitation, with nearly 5% experiencing genital sexual contact.
The urgency of addressing abuse within the Catholic Church cannot be overstated. As activists amplify their calls for action, the onus falls on Pope Francis and Church authorities to heed these voices and implement tangible measures to ensure justice and support for victims of abuse and exploitation.
