Friendship Between Juan Carlos Cruz and Pope Francis

SOURCE www.npr.org
Juan Carlos Cruz, a survivor of abuse by a Chilean priest, formed a close friendship with Pope Francis despite initial disagreements. Cruz praised the Pope for acknowledging and addressing sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, but critics feel more could have been done to remove abusers and punish enablers. Since the Pope's death, advocacy groups have called for a zero-tolerance policy on sexual abuse in the Church.

Key Points

  • Pope Francis defended clergy accused of letting abuse continue, but later apologized and invited survivors to the Vatican
  • Cruz formed a close friendship with the Pope and praised his efforts to address abuse within the Church
  • Advocacy groups believe more should have been done to remove abusers and punish enablers

Pros

  • Pope Francis acknowledged and addressed sexual abuse within the Catholic Church
  • Formed a close friendship with Juan Carlos Cruz, a survivor of abuse

Cons

  • Critics feel more could have been done to remove abusers and punish enablers
  • Advocacy groups call for a zero-tolerance policy on sexual abuse in the Church