Uncovering the Truth: A Victim’s Quest for Answers as Pope Visits Belgium
The Dark Cloud of Scandal
As Pope Francis makes his visit to Belgium this week, the country is gripped by the looming shadow of the Catholic Church’s child abuse scandal. However, there is another dark chapter in Belgium’s history that is slowly coming to light: the “forced adoption” of newborns, with the complicity of nuns.
A Personal Story
Lieve Soens’s life was forever changed when she was adopted by a Belgian couple in 1974. Born in Dunkirk, northern France, her biological mother chose to remain anonymous under the guise of giving birth “under X”. Now, at the age of 50, Lieve is still on a quest to uncover the truth about her past and understand the circumstances that led to her adoption.
Forced adoptions were not uncommon in Belgium during the 20th century, with unwed mothers often pressured or coerced into giving up their babies. The Catholic Church, particularly nuns and other religious institutions, played a role in facilitating these adoptions, leading to a lifetime of anguish and unanswered questions for many victims.
The Pope’s Visit
With Pope Francis’s visit to Belgium, the spotlight is once again on the Catholic Church’s history of abuse and exploitation. Lieve Soens and others like her are hoping for acknowledgement, apology, and most importantly, answers.
Effects on Individuals
For victims like Lieve Soens, the Pope’s visit is an opportunity to shed light on a dark period in their lives. It is a chance to seek closure, understanding, and perhaps even reconciliation with their past. The emotional toll of forced adoption can last a lifetime, and acknowledgment from the highest levels of the Church could provide a sense of validation and healing.
Effects on the World
The Pope’s visit to Belgium has the potential to bring attention to a systemic issue that goes beyond borders and affects countless individuals around the world. The forced adoption of newborns, often with the involvement of religious institutions, is a pervasive problem that has left a trail of trauma and heartache in its wake. By addressing this issue, the Church has the opportunity to confront its past wrongs and work towards a more just and compassionate future.
Conclusion
As Pope Francis’s visit to Belgium unfolds, the eyes of the world are on the Catholic Church and its legacy of abuse and exploitation. For victims of forced adoption like Lieve Soens, this moment represents a glimmer of hope in their search for truth and reconciliation. It is a chance to uncover the dark secrets of the past and pave the way for a more compassionate and accountable future.
