Pope Leo condemns 'scourge' of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy

Pope Leo XIV on Monday condemned what he called a "scourge" of sexual abuse among Catholic clergy. 

"One of the most painful encounters is with those who have been wounded precisely by those who were supposed to care for them, including members of the clergy," the pope said, according to Reuters. 

Spanish media reported that the pope will be meeting with victims on Monday at the Vatican embassy in Madrid, CBS News reported. 

Pope Leo called on the ecclesial community to respond to the problem with "listening, truth, justice, reparation" and a "culture of care." 

Ahead of the meeting, representatives of some victim groups complained that the pope wasn't granting them an audience. The Vatican said the meeting had been scheduled during the pope's visit, but out of "respect to the victims," no further information will be provided until after the meeting takes place.