Sexual Abuse of Nuns: The Catholic Church’s Shocking Untold Scandal
As the Catholic Church awaits the election of a new pope, one of its darkest and least-addressed scandals is resurfacing with renewed urgency: the sexual abuse of nuns by priests.
Long cloaked in silence and shame, the abuse of women religious is now being spoken about more openly, thanks in part to reforms initiated by Pope Francis before his death last month. However, survivors and advocates say change has been too slow—and the next pontiff will have no choice but to confront the issue head-on.
“For a long time, we were not allowed to speak,” said Sister Cristina Schorck, a Brazilian nun based in Rome. “Now, at least, the door is open—but just a little.”
From Silence to Testimony
In the past, many nuns who experienced abuse were isolated, ignored, or punished for speaking out. But a 2019 Vatican summit on clerical abuse marked a turning point. The Church lifted the secrecy rules that previously shielded abusers, and made it mandatory to report abuse to superiors.
Yet these steps, critics argue, are not nearly enough.
One prominent case drawing international scrutiny is that of Slovenian priest and artist Marko Rupnik, who was accused of sexually and psychologically abusing multiple nuns in the 1990s. It wasn’t until 2023—under mounting pressure—that Pope Francis lifted the statute of limitations to allow a formal investigation.
Laura Sgro, an Italian lawyer representing several of Rupnik’s accusers, said canon law must go further. “The next pope must extend the time victims have to report abuse and ensure that both Church and state protections are truly effective.”
Breaking the ‘Macho Mentality’
Despite some progress, structural inequality remains a barrier to real reform. The Catholic Church still functions in a deeply patriarchal framework, with far more women (over 559,000 globally) serving in religious life than priests (about 128,000), yet holding little power.
Pope Francis made history earlier this year by appointing a woman to head a Vatican department for the first time. He also condemned the “macho mentality” and clericalism—the idea that clergy form a privileged class—as root causes of abuse.
Sister Eugenia, a 67-year-old nun in Rome, believes that challenging the Church’s hierarchy is essential. “When we challenge clericalism, we’re also challenging the system that hides and enables abuse.”
Grassroots Movements Take Charge
While the Vatican has taken limited steps, many religious women’s organizations are acting independently. The International Union of Superiors General (UISG), which represents about 600,000 nuns worldwide, has launched initiatives to encourage reporting and raise awareness.
UISG Secretary General Patricia Murray said training sessions are being conducted globally, and a joint commission with male religious orders has been created to foster a culture of care and accountability.
But Sister Veronique Margron, a French religious leader, emphasized that relying solely on the Vatican is a mistake. “We cannot fall into the trap of waiting for men to speak. This is our fight too.”
A Test for the Future of the Church
As pilgrims, priests, and nuns gather in St Peter’s Square for the papal conclave, one thing is clear: this scandal is no longer a footnote. It is now front and center in conversations about the future of the Church.
“Abuse is not just about sex—it’s about power,” said Sister Marthe, a Cameroonian nun. “And power must be questioned if the Church is to heal.”
Whether the next pope will have the courage to act decisively remains to be seen. But the voices of the nuns, long silenced, are finally being heard.
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Sexual Abuse of Nuns: The Catholic Church’s Shocking Untold Scandal