High public spending and allegations of abuse mark pope’s visit to Portugal

Some controversial issues for the Catholic Church have become a prominent issue in recent days in Portugal, where Pope Francis is expected to attend the World Youth Day (WYD). In the midst of preparations and expectations to receive the Pontiff, criticisms of excessive public spending on the organization of the event, which begins this Wednesday (02), abounded.

The estimate is that WYD cost around 36 million euros (equivalent to R$ 190 million). High spending has attracted the anger of the population and some protests have been recorded in recent weeks.

The most unusual occurred last week. A plastic artist has created a long rug with the print of 500 euro notes, which was left on the staircase of the auditorium that will be used by the pope and pilgrims.

“In a secular state, at a time when many people are struggling to keep their homes, their work and their dignity, millions of public funds have been invested to sponsor the tour of the Italian multinational”, said the author of the work, Artur Bordalo, on his Instagram profile.

Abuses in the Church

Another even more delicate topic that has been discussed are the countless accusations of abuses committed by members of the Catholic Church, especially by priests. Many victims hope that the event will be used as a channel to spread the accusations.

Filipa Almeida was 17 years old when she was sexually abused by a priest. She has been silent for years but has finally found the strength to speak out and hopes that a visit by Pope Francis to her native Portugal this week will remind the world of thousands of similar crimes.

“I lived with this secret for 22 years,” the 43-year-old said of her ordeal, which she said came during a religious training course. “It is not easy to live with these experiences.”

She is one of at least 4,815 people who have been sexually abused by clergy – mostly priests – in Portugal over 70 years, according to an investigation released in February. The commission responsible said this was just the “tip of the iceberg” and that more than 100 priests suspected of child sexual abuse remained active in church positions.

Speaking ahead of the pope’s arrival, scheduled for Wednesday morning, Lisbon Patriarch Manuel Clemente said the Portuguese church’s commitment to solving the problem is “total”.

But Filipa Almeida said the visit was just highlighting the lack of progress.

Church reaction

The Church received the list of suspects in March, promised to investigate and suspended some priests, but some others have since returned to their duties. Filipa said the priest who abused her was not suspended pending an investigation.

The Portuguese Episcopal Conference has stated that it cannot suspend priests unless the facts against them are clearly established, but that there will be “zero tolerance” for abusers and their enablers.

No reparations are planned, but the bishops have promised “spiritual, psychological and psychiatric” support.

Filipa Almeida and two other victims created the Coração Silenciado association, which gives voice and support to victims of abuse. “The only thing that helps us is to make other victims feel that they are not alone,” she said.

Francis, who is visiting Portugal to attend a global gathering of young Catholics known as World Youth Day, is expected to meet privately with victims of abuse.

Filipa’s association was not invited, but she still sees the event as an opportunity to “face the problem” and warn about the warning signs of abuse and encourage victims to report it.

“There will be young people from all over the world and the reality (of abuse) is present on every continent,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for the church to do something.”

(Posted by Fábio Mendes, with information from CNN Portugal and Reuters)