LIMA, Peru (AP) - Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the Catholic Church must adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of abuse, including sexual, spiritual, and abuse of authority. He called for transparent processes to foster a culture of prevention within the church. This stand marks Leo's first public comment regarding the clergy sex abuse scandal, delivered in a written message to Peruvian journalist Paola Ugaz, who has investigated severe cases of abuse and financial misconduct within a Catholic movement known as Sodalitium Christianae Vitae.

The message was presented during a performance in Lima of a play focused on the Sodalitium scandal and Ugaz's journalistic efforts. In his message, Leo stressed the urgency of implementing a prevention framework across the church that rejects any form of abuse, including power, authority, conscience, spiritual, or sexual abuse. He asserted that this culture could only take root through active vigilance, transparent processes, and genuine listening to the victims. He specifically highlighted the crucial role of journalists in this effort.

Pope Leo XIV is acutely aware of the ramifications of the Sodalitium scandal, having spent two decades as a missionary priest and bishop in Peru, where the Sodalitium was formed in 1971. During this time, then-Bishop Robert Prevost served as the point person for abuse victims among the Peruvian bishops, aiding some in reaching financial settlements with the organization. After his appointment to the Vatican by Pope Francis in 2023, Prevost worked on dismantling the Sodalitium, which culminated in the resignation of a powerful bishop associated with the movement. The Sodalitium was officially suppressed earlier this year, shortly before the passing of Pope Francis.

Now, as the new pope, Leo must manage the dissolution of the Sodalitium and its substantial assets. Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, the Vatican envoy overseeing this process, delivered Leo's message at the Lima event, appearing alongside Ugaz on stage. In his correspondence, Leo also commended journalists for their bravery in holding the powerful accountable, asserting the necessity for public authorities to safeguard them. He remarked that a free press is a common good that cannot be compromised.

Both Ugaz and Sodalitium victim Pedro Salinas have endured years of legal challenges from the Sodalitium and its supporters due to their investigative reporting on the group's abusive practices and financial improprieties. They have expressed gratitude towards Pope Leo for his approach to the case.

The ongoing abuse scandal presents a significant challenge for Pope Leo XIV, especially considering the increasing demands from survivors urging him to adopt an even stricter zero-tolerance policy than his predecessor, Pope Francis. This push includes a call for accountability for abusers whose victims were adults.