Vatican City (Vatican), 21 June (LaPresse) – ‘It is urgent to root in the whole Church a culture of prevention that does not tolerate any form of abuse: neither of power or authority, nor of conscience or spirituality, nor of sexual abuse.’ So said Pope Leo XIV in a message sent on the occasion of the theatrical performance in Peru “Proyecto Ugaz” dedicated to Paola Ugaz, a journalist known for her investigation into the now suppressed Sodalicio movement and for this reason at the centre of persecution.This culture will only be authentic if it arises from active vigilance, transparent processes and sincere listening to those who have been hurt,‘ the Pope continued. According to Peruvian media reports, he then thanked ’Paola Ugaz for her courage in approaching Pope Francis on 10 November 2022 and asking for protection from the unjust attacks that she and three other journalists, Pedro Salinas, Daniel Yovera and Patricia Lachira, for denouncing the abuses committed by an ecclesial group based in several countries but originating in Peru. Among the numerous victims of abuse were also victims of economic abuse, the inhabitants of Catacaos and Castilla, which made the reports even more intolerable.‘ ’Your struggle for justice is also the struggle of the Church. Because, as I wrote years ago, “a faith that does not touch the wounds of the human body and soul is a faith that has not yet known the Gospel”. Today we recognise that wound in so many children, young people and adults who have been betrayed where they sought comfort; and also in those who have risked their freedom and their name so that the truth would not be buried," added the Pope.
© Copyright LaPresse
