Pope Leo XIV publicly addressed the Catholic Church's abuse scandals for the first time since his election, praising Peruvian journalist Paola Ugaz for her courageous reporting on abuse within the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. He emphasized the Church's need for a culture of prevention that doesn't tolerate abuse in any form and highlighted the vital role of journalism in exposing such scandals. The Pope's message, read at a play dramatizing Ugaz's work, underscored the importance of a free press, especially in times of social tension, and the Church's commitment to truth and reparation for victims.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.