Panamanians react as Catholic Church apologises over clerical abuse cases
Key Takeaways
- The Archdiocese of Panama received 37 complaints during the 2001-2025 period examined by investigators, with 24 analysed.
- Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa apologised to victims and survivors on behalf of the Church.
- The report identified prevention, victim support, recordkeeping, justice and reparation as areas requiring improvement.
Residents called for accountability and change after an independent report examined the Church’s handling of sexual abuse complaints involving minors and vulnerable people.
Panamanians have reacted to an apology from the Catholic Church after an independent investigation examined its handling of sexual abuse complaints involving minors and vulnerable people within the Archdiocese of Panama.
The Transparency Commission reviewed the archdiocese's response to cases between 2001 and 2025. The archdiocese received 37 complaints during the period, of which 24 were analysed. The other 13 fell outside the investigation's location, timeframe or criteria.
Archbishop of Panama José Domingo Ulloa asked victims and survivors for forgiveness during the presentation of the report on September 22.
“Wherever members of our Church caused harm, and wherever our institutional response fell short of what the victims needed and had a right to expect, we ask for forgiveness in the name of the Church,” Ulloa said.
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Panamanians respond to Church apology
The apology has prompted reactions from residents, with some stressing the importance of accepting responsibility and preventing further abuse.
"I think it's important to acknowledge one's mistakes, to recognize them, to take responsibility, and to ensure they never happen again," said driver Rogelio Justavino.
Artist Erlin Navarro said the Church should remain guided by the teachings it represents.
"Completely in grace, as the Lord Jesus Christ taught us, right? With peace and love. I think that's what the Catholic Church truly embodies: the teachings of Jesus. For me, Jesus was a great prophet, a good man who perfectly embodied religious principles. I think the Church should firmly instill these teachings.”
Report identifies areas for improvement
The independent commission identified five areas requiring improvement in the Church's response: listening to and accompanying victims, recordkeeping, prevention, justice for victims and reparation.
Ulloa also said the archdiocese remains committed to reporting relevant allegations to civil authorities under existing laws and taking complaints seriously while protecting those involved.
The report found that the archdiocese's handling of cases improved after guidelines were introduced in 2015 and the Pastoral Care and Prevention Office and Listening Office were established in 2024.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
