ReligionFrance
As pope visits France, sex abuse survivor hopes for healing

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Christine Mhundwa in Paris
September 25, 2026Advertisement
For survivors of clerical sexual abuse in France, Pope Leo's visit is a reminder of one of the Catholic Church's deepest crises.
Philippe Chemineau said he was abused by a priest as a child, and argues that the secrecy surrounding confession helped enable abuse.
As the pope meets with a small group of survivors during his visit, the debate over how the Catholic Church should confront past abuses and protect children remains far from settled.