In February 2023, an independent report estimated at least 4,800 children were sexually abused by the Catholic Church in Portugal since 1950. This week, the Portuguese Episcopal Conference and the Conference of Religious Institutes announced that over €1.6 million has been paid to 57 victims, with individual amounts ranging from €9,000 to €45,000.
The compensation process was based on individual case assessments, considering the severity of abuse and its impact on victims. The Church emphasized that financial payments do not erase past harm or end its responsibility. Nine cases remain pending, while 11 applications were rejected.
The Church has begun notifying those whose cases were approved and reiterated its commitment to accountability, care, and prevention. In 2022, the Church commissioned an independent study that validated 512 victim testimonies. The final report, released in 2023, highlighted the scale of the issue, with many cases beyond legal prosecution due to time limits.
Following the report, the Church established Grupo Vita to handle complaints and support victims. In 2023, Pope Francis met privately with some victims during World Youth Day in Lisbon, addressing concerns about clergy abuse.