Words Matter

A guest post about vulnerability and abuse

I’m honored to share this important and timely reflection from a friend, colleague, and adult survivor of clergy sexual abuse. -Paul

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I’ve noticed a shift in language between Pope Francis and Pope Leo. It gives me hope that the Church is moving closer to the truth in its understanding, defense and support of adults harmed by clergy and Catholic leaders.

Pope Leo has chosen to describe adults and vulnerability with the phrase “persons in vulnerable situations” rather than “vulnerable adults” as did Pope Francis, and it matters.

At the beginning of his March 16 audience with participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, Leo said (emphasis mine):

“I likewise express gratitude to all of you, members and staff, for your service to the Church by protecting children, adolescents and persons in vulnerable situations. It is a demanding service, sometimes silent, often burdensome, but one which is essential for the life of the Church and for the building of an authentic culture of care.”

Then again, towards the end of his address, he said:

“Before concluding, let me reiterate that the protection of minors and persons in vulnerable situations is not an isolated area of ecclesial life, but a dimension that permeates pastoral care, formation, governance and discipline. Every step forward on this journey is a step towards Christ and towards a more evangelical and authentic Church.”

Pope Leo’s phrase hits differently, and here’s why.

Vulnerable adult terminology places the responsibility for harm on the condition of the victim, rather than the behavior of the abuser where it belongs. Using a label of “vulnerable adult” implies that a disability or some cognitive impairment must be present before the criteria for harm is met. Any “normal” person who isn’t a minor doesn’t qualify for harm.

Wrong! The term doesn’t express what any adult survivor can tell you is true.

In the spiritual life where harm and abuse may occur, vulnerability of a person is NOT a deficit or a detriment but is highly desirable and actually preferred. Vulnerability is a proper disposition among those who seek God. It is often prayerfully asked for, even begged for so as to encounter the living God. Furthermore, it’s biblical to be vulnerable “blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5).

Pope Leo’s terminology matures the language Pope Francis began by extending the understanding of adult vulnerability. In 2019, Francis issued a Motu Proprio titled, On The Protection Of Minors And Vulnerable Persons. In it he defined “vulnerable person” saying:

“A person is vulnerable when in a state of infirmity, of physical or mental deficiency, or deprived of personal liberty, which, in fact, even if occasionally, limits their ability to understand or to want or otherwise resist the offence.”

Francis adds an acknowledgment of temporary, situational vulnerability in addition to those of cognition and developmental disability. However, the inclusion still relates vulnerability to the condition of the victim. Leo speaks differently, more accurately. He uses the phrase “persons in vulnerable situations”. The expression hits differently because it hits closer to the truth.

Vulnerability for each and every person always exists given humanity’s fallen nature. We are ALL vulnerable to the occasion of sin, whether our own or of another, anywhere, anytime. An additional layer of vulnerability that can be physical, emotional, spiritual or all of the above is situational vulnerability. There are circumstances and occasions that create vulnerability that have nothing to do with age, infirmity or disability.

The phrasing “persons in vulnerable situations” more appropriately places the context of vulnerability on the occasion rather than the person. Strong, capable, intelligent people that no one would describe as “vulnerable” find themselves in vulnerable situations often, especially if they are seeking God through mediators the Church says are worthy of giving good counsel (priests, spiritual directors, etc).

In these situations, vulnerability exists for the seeker because of the inherent power differential the Church representative has in the encounter. The seeker trusts and the one trusted is responsible to recognize and protect the vulnerability of the moment. When the trusted one fails, harm happens. This harm has nothing to do with a person’s age, nor their level of cognition or impairment. Harm can happen to anyone, not just “vulnerable persons” but any “person in a vulnerable situation”.

I imagine this change in language went unnoticed by many. If pointed out, it might even create confusion. Even if you’ve read this far, you may not be convinced the two popes aren’t saying the same thing. Listening as an adult survivor of clergy abuse, it sounds as different as night and day.

Pope Leo’s turn of phrase indicates a greater understanding and awareness of adult clergy abuse than I’ve ever heard publicly declared by the papacy. His choice of words means to me that he “gets it” and is willing to speak the truth. It’s a satisfying qualifier that I find refreshing and relieving. Someone gets it and that someone is the pope, the spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Roman Catholics and respected by many more across the world.

Will it really matter? Only God knows… but right now, it matters to me.

• PS. Not that I expected it at all, but media reports also missed the change! The Associated Press’s reporting on this address, and even Vatican News’s own Facebook summary, inaccurately say Pope Leo spoke about the “vulnerable adult” and “vulnerable people.”

• PPS. It also matters that a friend of mine believes how I express what this means to me has value. So much so that he’s sharing my words in his public space. Now, that really matters! Thanks, Paul!