Cardinal Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo has called for greater accountability and solidarity with survivors of clergy sexual abuse, marking the Catholic Church’s annual Day of Prayer and Reparation for Victims of Sexual Abuse with a strong appeal for action, reflection, and change.
In his homily for the Third Sunday of Lent, Cardinal Kikuchi acknowledged the global and local impact of sexual abuse within the Church, including cases in Japan, and expressed remorse over the harm caused by clergy and religious leaders who “betrayed trust and committed acts that disregard the dignity of life.”
“There are also cases where discourse within church communities that makes it seem as if the victim is responsible leads to secondary victimization,” he said. “I am sincerely sorry for the harm caused by clergy and spiritual leaders who betrayed this and used their positions to harm the dignity of life.”
The Day of Prayer and Reparation, observed on the second Friday of Lent, was established by the Vatican as part of wider efforts to address the Church’s failures in dealing with abuse and to foster healing for survivors.
Cardinal Kikuchi said the Church must go beyond prayer and become “a community that bears witness to the hope of living life” by acknowledging past failures and committing to reform.
“I would like to continue to work on finding more appropriate responses and raising awareness,” he said, adding that Church leaders must renew their commitment to prevent abuse and support victims.
“In order that we, bishops and clergy, may not repeat such sins, let us renew our resolve in faith, cling to the mercy of God that gives us life, and pray and act in love.”
Cardinal Kikuchi’s remarks came amid ongoing scrutiny of the Church’s handling of abuse cases and growing demands for transparency and accountability from within and outside the Catholic community.
The cardinal’s homily also reflected on the broader theme of Lent as a time for repentance and conversion, drawing attention to the Church’s responsibility to protect life and dignity, particularly for the most vulnerable.
The Vatican has urged local churches around the world to observe the Day of Prayer and Reparation as a public acknowledgment of the suffering of abuse survivors and as a step toward institutional change.
In Japan, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference has pledged to strengthen mechanisms for reporting abuse and supporting victims.
“The Church must walk together as pilgrims of hope,” the prelate said, “and bear witness to the hope of living life.”
