Pope Francis Stepped Down: Friend Shares Farewell

Juan Carlos Cruz, a close confidant of Pope Francis and a survivor of clerical sexual abuse, expressed a mixture of gratitude and acknowledgment of ongoing work following the Pope’s recent health challenges. Cruz, who developed a personal relationship with Pope Francis, sharing holidays like birthdays and Christmas with him, stated he is “proud of what he started” regarding reforms addressing abuse within the Catholic Church. While recognizing substantial progress has been made under Pope Francis’ leadership, Cruz emphasized that significant work remains to fully address the systemic issues and support survivors. His comments reflect a deeply personal connection alongside a pragmatic view of the continuing challenges facing the Church. The acknowledgement of both accomplishment and unfinished business underscores the complex legacy Pope Francis is building in this sensitive area.