The stain of Catholic child abuse looms over Pope Francis’s visit to Belgium this week

The “forced adoption” scandal rocking Belgium

The stain of Catholic child abuse looms over Pope Francis’s visit to Belgium this week, but a lesser-known scandal still roils the country: the “forced adoption” of newborns taken from their mothers, with nuns’ complicity.

Lieve Soens was adopted by a Belgian couple in 1974, shortly after she was born in Dunkirk, northern France, to a woman who opted to remain anonymous under a system known as giving birth “under X”. Now 50, she is still trying to understand how her biological mother — a teenager — was coerced into giving her up for adoption, a decision that has haunted them both for decades.

The forced adoption scandal in Belgium is just one example of the systemic abuse and exploitation that has plagued the Catholic Church for centuries. The horrors of child abuse have been well-documented, but the stories of mothers who were coerced into giving up their children are often overlooked. These women were forced to relinquish their babies to the care of the Church, where they were often mistreated and neglected.

The trauma of forced adoption reverberates through generations, leaving lasting scars on both the mothers who were robbed of their children and the children who were torn from their biological families. The pain and suffering caused by these unethical practices cannot be understated, and it is essential that we shine a light on these injustices and seek justice for the victims.

As Pope Francis visits Belgium, it is crucial that we hold the Catholic Church accountable for its role in these heinous crimes and demand restitution for the survivors. The time for silence and complicity is over – we must speak out against these atrocities and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Impact on individuals

For individuals like Lieve Soens, the forced adoption scandal has had a profound impact on their lives. They have been robbed of their identity and their connection to their biological family, leaving them with a deep sense of loss and longing. The psychological trauma of being forcibly separated from their mothers at birth has left lasting scars that continue to affect them to this day.

People who have been victims of forced adoption often struggle with issues of abandonment, trust, and self-worth. They may grapple with feelings of grief, anger, and confusion as they try to make sense of their past and come to terms with their present reality. The emotional toll of being separated from one’s family cannot be overstated, and it is essential that these individuals receive the support and resources they need to heal and move forward with their lives.

Impact on the world

The forced adoption scandal in Belgium is just one example of the widespread abuse and exploitation that has plagued the Catholic Church for centuries. The revelations of these unethical practices have shaken the faith of many believers and raised serious questions about the Church’s moral authority and credibility. The failure of church leaders to address these issues head-on has eroded trust in the institution and undermined its ability to serve as a moral and ethical guide for society.

The impact of the forced adoption scandal extends far beyond Belgium, reverberating throughout the world and prompting a global reckoning with the Catholic Church’s history of abuse and exploitation. The revelations of forced adoptions have sparked outrage and calls for justice from survivors and advocates alike, as they demand accountability for the crimes committed against them.

Conclusion

As Pope Francis visits Belgium, it is essential that we confront the painful truths of the forced adoption scandal and demand justice for the victims. We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering caused by these unethical practices or allow those responsible to evade accountability. It is time for the Catholic Church to reckon with its dark past and make amends for the harm it has caused. Only by acknowledging the truth and seeking restitution for the survivors can we begin to heal the wounds of the past and move forward towards a more just and compassionate future.