A billboard raising awareness of sexual abuse by clergymen appeared overnight on the bustling Almirante Reis avenue in anticipation of Pope Francis’ visit to Lisbon for World Youth Day. The billboard displays a stark message, stating, “4,800+ children abused by the Catholic Church in Portugal,” accompanied by 4,815 dots representing each victim.
This awareness campaign, organized by the group called “This Is Our Memorial,” aims to honor the victims and advocate for change to prevent such atrocities from recurring. The timing of the billboard’s installation comes less than six months after a report by a Portuguese commission revealed the shocking extent of abuse, with at least 4,815 minors falling victim to clergy abuse over a span of seven decades.
During his stay in Portugal until August 6, Pope Francis is expected to meet privately with abuse victims, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to addressing clergy sexual abuse. Additionally, two more billboards have been placed in nearby municipalities of Loures and Oeiras, coinciding with events related to the World Youth Day.
While the Church had promised a memorial to be unveiled during the week-long event, the exact date remains uncertain, as the project is still under consideration. The billboard serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging the victims and preventing such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
