Survivors Critique Pope Francis' Legacy on Clergy Abuse as Cardinals Gather for Papal Election

Alexa MacPherson, a victim of priest abuse, reflects on Pope Francis' handling of clerical sexual abuse cases, highlighting the need for deeper accountability and transparency from the Catholic Church, especially during the transition to a new pope.

As the conclave of 133 cardinals in Rome begins deliberations to elect a new pope, significant discussions revolve around the contentious legacy of the outgoing Pontiff, Pope Francis. Among the most contentious issues are his responses to the church's ongoing crisis involving sexual abuse of minors by clergy members. While there are those who appreciate Francis' efforts to recognize abuse victims and reform church procedures, many survivors believe these actions fall short of what is necessary.

Alexa MacPherson's harrowing story began when she was just three years old, enduring sexual abuse at the hands of a priest named Peter Kanchong for six years. The depths of her trauma were starkly illustrated when her father discovered Kanchong’s attempted assault when she was nearly ten. “For me, it was pretty much an everyday occurrence,” MacPherson recounted during a reflective conversation by the Boston waterfront. Following her father’s report to the police, an anticipated court date on August 24, 1984, became a backdrop for a more sinister narrative, as the church sought to protect its interests.

The Church's influence in Boston at the time was overwhelming, as seen in an undercover letter from the then-Archbishop Bernard Law, emphasizing the need to maintain the church’s good image. Although a court ultimately issued no formal charges against Kanchong, internal church evaluations had indicated he was unresponsive to therapy, yet still, the church prioritized shielding its reputation over protecting children.

Looking back, MacPherson is critical of the church's response to abuse during Francis' papacy, despite acknowledging that her experiences predate his tenure. She expressed a feeling of indifference towards the news of Francis' passing, explaining, “I don’t want to take away from the good that he did do, but there’s just so much more that the Church and the Vatican can do.”

The fallout from the abuse crisis gained traction when the Boston Globe began revealing the alarming reality facing victims, prompting an avalanche of reports on church misconduct. Internal documents revealed a pattern where perpetrators were shuttled to different parishes instead of facing justice. MacPherson was one of the 500 victims awarded $85 million in a civil case, a significant milestone, yet emblematic of broader systemic failures within the church.

Francis had convened a critical summit in 2019, urging bishops to recognize the “hand of evil” throughout the abuse crisis. Subsequent reforms, including a revision of "pontifical secrecy" laws, were aimed at fostering cooperation with civil authorities in abuse cases. However, survivors and their advocates like MacPherson argue that meaningful reform is still lacking as it does not mandate full disclosure of cases.

The emotional toll of the ongoing church narrative has intensified for MacPherson, especially during the extensive media coverage surrounding Francis' funeral and the lore of the papal transition. Even as the Catholic Church faces formidable scrutiny, she finds herself questioning the efficacy of these discussions.

"To know that the church thinks of itself first, above all, is painful," she said. Despite the transitional moment in church leadership, MacPherson sees little potential for genuine reform without thorough acknowledgment of sins and strict accountability measures for those involved in the culture of silence.

As the church moves forward to elect a new pope, the voices of survivors like MacPherson serve as a stark reminder that the fight for justice and transparency within the Catholic Church is far from over. The road ahead appears steep as many victims cling to the hope that a new chapter could finally bring necessary changes.