Belgium is currently facing a horrific abuse scandal involving clergy sex abuse and the subsequent institutional cover-up. This scandal has been unfolding since 2010, beginning with the resignation of Bruges Bishop Roger Vangheluwe, who admitted to sexually abusing his nephew for 13 years. Consequently, revelations of other cases of abuse have surfaced, leading to a sense of outrage among the public and victims.
Pope Francis is visiting Belgium amidst this scandal, as he embarks on a trip to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the founding of Belgium’s two Catholic universities. During this visit, he is expected to address the issue of abuse in the church, a problem that has plagued Belgium for years. The Pope has already taken action by defrocking Vangheluwe as an attempt to manage the outrage and demonstrate accountability within the church.
The scandal took a shocking turn last year when a documentary titled “Godvergeten” (Godforsaken) aired in Belgium, revealing the stories of victims on camera and exposing the systematic cover-up of crimes by the Catholic hierarchy. This documentary sparked public outrage and prompted parliamentary inquests to further investigate the scandal. The testimonies shed light on the significant decline of the Catholic Church in Belgium and the lack of transparency regarding abuse within the institution.
The upcoming papal visit to Belgium has been met with a sense of bitterness among the public, given the church’s history of insensitivity and mishandling of abuse cases. Some survivors have expressed disappointment at not being able to meet with the Pope during his visit, despite seeking the opportunity. The scandal has also impacted various clergy members, with Bishop Patrick Hoogmartens deciding not to participate in papal events due to his involvement with a priest who was implicated in an abuse case.
Throughout the unfolding scandal, Belgian authorities and church officials have been dealing with logistical challenges and controversies related to the abuse crisis. These incidents, such as the need to change the closing hymn for the papal Mass, illustrate the ongoing repercussions of the abuse scandal in Belgium. Despite the attempts to address the crisis, the wounds of victims and the public’s mistrust of the church remain prominent themes during Pope Francis’ visit to Belgium.
