(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 06.25.2024).- Father Liudger Gottschlich, a priest from the Archdiocese of Paderborn, has dedicated over three decades to supporting survivors of abuse, drawing from his own experience as a victim of abuse by a priest at the age of eleven. On Tuesday, June 25, he was part of a special audience with Pope Francis at the Pope’s residence, Casa Santa Marta, in the Vatican.
The meeting, described as occurring in a «unique atmosphere,» was a poignant moment for Father Gottschlich and his fellow priests who have also experienced abuse. «As priests who have been victims ourselves, we are in a challenging position within the Church,» Gottschlich explained in an interview with Vatican Radio. He highlighted the isolation often felt by these priests, noting that their presence serves as a constant reminder of unresolved issues within the Church, which can make others uncomfortable.
Father Gottschlich shared that the encounter with Pope Francis was unlike their usual experiences within the Church. «Generally, we don’t receive much support or backing. There is often a desire for us to be invisible,» he said. However, this meeting was different. Conducted in the Pope’s private living room, the conversation was intimate and personal. «We found him very interested, very open, and also very encouraging and strengthening. This is something not commonly experienced with our superiors in the dioceses.»
Papal Encouragement
Reflecting on the meeting, Father Gottschlich emphasized the Pope’s strong encouragement for their work. «The Pope urged us to use our own wounds to aid in pastoral work and to act as healers wherever possible,» he said. The Pope’s encouragement was a significant takeaway, reinforcing the importance of not remaining silent and keeping the issue of abuse alive within the Church.
Father Gottschlich also addressed the common assertion that abuse predominantly occurs within families, with the Church representing only a small percentage. He argued that this perspective is too narrow. «The Church is made up of all the baptized, and those who abused were also baptized. Therefore, the issue of abuse within the Church is much broader, and we cannot simply divide it between families and other parts of society. We must take responsibility as a Church for the many affected individuals.»
A Call to Action
Father Gottschlich concluded with a powerful message to all faithful: «Do not be afraid to approach those affected by abuse. The biggest issue is that when people open up about their abuse, it triggers fears. How do we handle it? What do we do? Will we hurt them again? This leads to victims feeling very alone and isolated. I want to dispel this fear. Approach them and ask, ‘What do you need?’ Victims and those affected by abuse will tell you what can be done. But please, overcome your fear.»
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