In the ongoing deliberations among 135 cardinals in Rome, who gather to select the next pope, the significant legacy of Pope Francis looms large, particularly regarding the troubling issue of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. The sensitivity of this topic is palpable, as many survivors of abuse reflect on whether the papacy of Francis did enough to combat the scourge of child predation by clergy members. From the inception of his papacy, Francis was seen as a progressive force, moving beyond the stance of his predecessors in publicly acknowledging the suffering of victims and reforming internal Church procedures. However, for countless survivors, including individuals like Alexa MacPherson, the sentiment persists that these measures fell short of the mark.
The harrowing experience of Alexa MacPherson provides a stark example of what has been at stake. Abused by Priest Peter Kanchong from the tender age of three, her traumatic ordeal extended for six years. The abuse escalated to the point where her father caught Kanchong in the act of attempting to assault Alexa, prompting the family to seek justice through law enforcement. Nevertheless, the initial criminal proceedings that were supposed to take place in August 1984, faced interference from Church figures who sought to protect the priest more than the victim. A letter from then-Archbishop of Boston, Bernard Law, highlighted this alarming trend, indicating that the Church prioritized its reputation over the well-being of those who were harmed.
Despite ongoing scandals and widespread abuse, many maintain that while Pope Francis has taken steps towards change, his actions have not been sufficient. The number of allegations and the systemic nature of the abuse within the Church present a dark tapestry woven through decades of concealed misconduct. MacPherson acknowledges that her abuse occurred long before Francis took the papal seat, but she believes the Church’s handling of the issue has not improved significantly under his leadership. “I actually don’t feel like I had much of a reaction,” she stated regarding news of his death, conveying a deep ambivalence towards a figure she acknowledges did some good but ultimately did not enact the required systemic changes.
Chooses grave action aimed at addressing abuse were overshadowed by a pattern of evasion and secrecy historically seen in the Church’s approach. Archbishop Law’s letter to a bishop in Thailand, detailing the ecclesiastical handling of Kanchong, underscores that even when church evaluations acknowledged his lack of responsiveness to therapy, efforts were made to recall him to a foreign diocese, circumventing accountability altogether. This incident exemplifies the broader challenge of confronting the Church’s legacy of safeguarding predator priests, often at the expense of victims who have long sought justice.
The progression of events following the exposure of Church secrets in the Boston Globe marked a significant pivot in public perception and legal accountability within the Church. While hundreds of victims came forward to allege abuses, the Church’s initial attempts to conceal these allegations only fueled demand for greater transparency. Despite various papal doctrines and reforms aimed at addressing these issues, loopholes remain, with requirements for church hierarchy referrals lacking the necessary mandate to notify civil authorities.
For many survivors, including MacPherson, the demand for true accountability remains paramount. Their calls transcend simple recognition; they seek systemic changes that include unmasking a culture that has, for far too long, shielded its highest officials from the repercussions of their actions. As the Church embarks on electing a new pope, there exists a palpable apprehension that significant reforms may continue to evade the institution unless there is an unequivocal acceptance of past wrongs and a commitment to justice for victims. “You cannot possibly… bring people back into the fold,” warns MacPherson, “until you truly acknowledge those sins, and you hold those people accountable.”
