Felipe VI took advantage of the official reception for Pope Leo XIV to highlight the social contribution of the Catholic Church and express his recognition to religious, volunteers, and missionaries, in a speech in which he also addressed the sexual abuses committed within the Catholic institution.
The monarch maintained that these cases "are not and cannot be representative of the immense ecclesial community," a statement with which he wanted to contrast the scandals that have shaken the Church for decades with the welfare and solidarity activities it carries out in Spain and other countries.
In this way, Felipe VI thanked the Pontiff for the "clarity and firmness" shown in the face of abuses and argued that this attitude is fundamental to advance in the processes of reparation and recognition for victims.
The King's words came on the same day that Leo XIV reiterated his commitment to continue acting against this problem. The Pope assured that abuses continue to be "a wound still open" and confirmed that he will hold meetings with victims during his visit.
Beyond this issue, Felipe VI took advantage of his intervention to warn about the risks of a society dominated by disinformation, polarization, and the irresponsible use of artificial intelligence, asserting the importance of human dignity, fundamental rights, and active listening.
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