On Sunday, September 29, 2024, Pope Francis addressed a crowd of approximately 30,000 people at Belgium's sports stadium, focusing on the issue of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. The pontiff's visit to Belgium, a country with a complex religious landscape, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Church in addressing its past and adapting to modern expectations.
Pope Francis emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating, "Evil must not be hidden. Evil must be brought out into the open." This statement came in response to his meeting with 17 abuse survivors two days prior, where he heard firsthand accounts of their experiences and the Church's inadequate responses.
Belgium's history with clerical sexual abuse has been particularly troubling. The case of Roger Vangheluwe, former Bishop of Bruges, exemplifies this issue. Vangheluwe was allowed to retire quietly in 2010 after admitting to sexually abusing his nephew for 13 years. It took 14 years for Pope Francis to defrock him, a decision made just before the pontiff's visit to Belgium.
The Pope's visit coincided with the 600th anniversary of the Catholic University of Leuven, one of the oldest Catholic universities globally. This institution, founded in 1425, has played a significant role in Belgium's academic and religious history. However, the celebration was overshadowed by calls for reform from both university officials and students.
Belgium, known for its complex federal system and linguistic divisions between Flemish and Walloon communities, has seen a significant decline in religious adherence over the years. The country, which legalized same-sex marriage in 2003 and euthanasia in 2002, has become increasingly secular, challenging the traditional influence of the Catholic Church.
During his address, Pope Francis faced criticism for his views on women's roles in the Church. His comments, describing women as "fertile" nurturers complementing men, were met with disapproval from university officials and students. The Catholic University of Louvain issued a statement expressing "incomprehension and disapproval" of the Pope's position, highlighting the growing tension between traditional Church doctrine and calls for modernization.
"We cannot agree on his position for sure. We are fighting against discrimination for women, and we would like women to have another role in the society and in the church also."
The Pope's visit to Belgium, a country at the heart of the European Union and home to several important EU institutions, underscored the challenges facing the Catholic Church in a rapidly changing society. As Belgium continues to grapple with its colonial past, particularly in the Congo, and embraces progressive social policies, the Church finds itself at a crossroads.
Pope Francis's efforts to address the sexual abuse crisis and his openness to dialogue have been noted. However, his stance on issues such as women's ordination and LGBTQ+ inclusion continues to be a point of contention. As the Catholic Church navigates these complex issues, it remains to be seen how it will balance tradition with the demands for reform in countries like Belgium, where secularization and progressive values have become increasingly prevalent.