Abuse survivor David Ryan to put ‘tough questions’ to Pope Leo XIV during private audience

A survivor of abuse, David Ryan, is scheduled to meet with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Monday. This meeting marks the first time a pontiff will receive an Irish abuse survivor since Pope Francis met with survivors in 2014 and 2018.

The Weight of Testimony

Ryan’s case gained prominence following his participation, alongside his late brother Mark, in the RTÉ Radio 1 Doc on One program “Blackrock Boys” in November 2022. The program detailed their experiences of sexual abuse between the ages of 12 and 17 at Blackrock College in Dublin.

Did You Know? The broadcast of “Blackrock Boys” prompted hundreds of other men to come forward with their own accounts of abuse at Blackrock College and its preparatory school, Willow Park.

Ripple Effects and Investigation

The testimonies emerging from “Blackrock Boys,” and similar accounts from other schools, contributed to the Irish Government establishing the Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Schools last July. The commission, chaired by Mr Justice Michael McGrath, is tasked with reporting its findings within five years.

A Personal Connection

Ryan has a prior connection to Pope Leo XIV, who, as Fr Robert Prevost, visited Fethard, Co Tipperary, three times and attended a Mass there in 2005. Ryan noted a photograph of the Pope from that visit exists in a local bar. He intends to bring a St Brigid’s cross lapel pin and a photograph of himself with his brother Mark, taken at The Late Late Show, as gifts for the Pope.

Expert Insight: The willingness of survivors like David Ryan to share their experiences, and to seek a direct audience with religious leadership, underscores the ongoing demand for accountability and transparency in addressing historical abuse. This meeting could be a significant moment in the broader reckoning with institutional failures to protect children.

Looking Ahead

Ryan intends to raise “tough questions” with the Pope regarding the Catholic Church’s handling of abuse allegations over the years. The Pope is understood to be aware of the “Blackrock Boys” program and the subsequent commission of investigation. While the outcome of the meeting is uncertain, it could lead to further dialogue between the Vatican and abuse survivors, or potentially influence the commission’s ongoing work. It is also possible that the meeting will not result in any immediate, publicly visible changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted David Ryan to seek a meeting with the Pope?

David Ryan and his brother Mark discussed the possibility of contacting the Pope after the broadcast of the “Blackrock Boys” program in 2022, believing the Pope should be made aware of the abuse that occurred at Blackrock College and involving the Spiritans.

Who will accompany David Ryan to the Vatican?

Deirdre Kenny of the One in Four group, which assists abuse survivors, will accompany Ryan to the Vatican, though she will not be present during the private audience with the Pope. She will be available to provide support if needed.

What is the scope of the Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Schools?

The commission will investigate the handling of allegations or concerns of historical child sexual abuse in all-day and boarding schools in Ireland, including special schools, occurring between 1927 and 2013. It will also conduct a national survey to gather personal experiences.

What role do you believe direct engagement between survivors and religious leaders can play in the process of healing and accountability?

Abuse survivor David Ryan to put ‘tough questions’ to Pope Leo XIV during private audience – The Irish Times