Spanish clergy sexually abused over 200,000 children, independent commission estimates

An independent commission estimates that over 200,000 minors have been sexually abused by the Roman Catholic clergy in Spain since 1940. This information was published on Friday. The report did not provide a specific number, but it mentioned a survey of more than 8,000 people. The survey revealed that 0. 6 per cent of Spain’s adult population, which is approximately 39 million people, claimed they were sexually abused by clergy members during their childhood. When including abuse by lay members, the percentage increases to 1. 13 per cent, equating to over 400,000 people. This information was disclosed by Spain’s national ombudsman Angel Gabilondo during a news conference.

The Roman Catholic Church has been shaken by these revelations, which are the latest in a series of sexual abuse scandals that have occurred globally over the past 20 years. However, in Spain, a traditionally Catholic country that has become highly secular, these allegations are only now gaining momentum. Survivors have accused the church of stonewalling. Gabilondo, a former education minister, stated that there has been a longstanding tendency to deny or conceal these abuses or to protect the abusers.

The report criticizes the Catholic Church's response to these child abuse cases involving the clergy, calling it 'insufficient'. It recommends the establishment of a state fund to compensate the victims. Prior to the report's presentation in parliament, the Spanish bishops conference announced it would convene an extraordinary meeting on Monday to discuss the report's findings. In March 2022, Spain’s parliament overwhelmingly approved the formation of an independent commission, led by the country’s ombudsman, to investigate allegations of sexual abuse of 'defenceless boys and girls' within the Catholic Church.