Pope Francis Confronts Belgium's Clergy Abuse Legacy

- Pope John Paul II stands underneath the huge bow of the Menen Gate, a war memorial for the dead of World War II, in Ieper, May 17, 1985, on his second day in Belgium. (AP Photo, File)

Pope Francis is set to visit Belgium this week, where he will address the country's troubling history of clergy sex abuse and institutional cover-up. The visit comes in the wake of a recent four-nation tour of Asia, where the Pope encountered enthusiastic crowds and vibrant church communities.

During his visit to Belgium, Pope Francis will meet with abuse survivors who have penned an open letter requesting a universal system of church reparations and accountability for the harm caused by abuse. The country's parliament has also announced a follow-on investigation into how Belgian authorities mishandled a 2010 criminal investigation into the church's sex crimes.

While the official reason for the Pope's trip is to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Belgium's two Catholic universities, he is expected to address the abuse scandal during his visit. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that Pope Francis will discuss immigration and climate issues, in addition to raising concerns about Belgium's abuse record.

Belgium has been grappling with revelations of clergy sex abuse for over a quarter-century, with a particularly shocking scandal unfolding in 2010. The scandal resurfaced last year with a documentary that shed light on the extent of the abuse and cover-up within the Catholic hierarchy.

Survivors request universal church reparations and accountability.

Pope Francis to address Belgium's clergy sex abuse history.

Belgium parliament launches investigation into mishandling of abuse cases.

Pope expected to discuss immigration, climate, and abuse issues.

Belgium's Catholic Church faces decline in attendance due to abuse scandal.

Pope defrocks bishop involved in clergy sex abuse scandal.

Despite ongoing investigations and efforts to address the crisis, the abuse scandal has significantly impacted the Catholic Church in Belgium, leading to a decline in church attendance. Pope Francis recently defrocked a bishop involved in the scandal, signaling a commitment to addressing the issue.

As the Pope's visit approaches, some victims have expressed frustration over the handling of the abuse scandal and the lack of acknowledgment from church authorities. The visit is expected to be overshadowed by the dark cloud of the abuse crisis, contrasting with the warm reception the Pope received during his recent tour of Asia.

The Pope's visit to Belgium serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the Catholic Church in addressing clergy sex abuse and providing justice for survivors.