Press conference In Rome, April 30, 2025

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) held a press conference in Rome on Wednesday, April 30 at 11:00am to announce new information gathered as part of SNAP’s new Conclave Watch initiative including updates to previously filed Vos Estis Lux Mundi reports as well information gathered on other potential papal candidates and cardinal electors.

“Since we started the Conclave Watch initiative, survivors around the world have reached out to us with information about Catholic cardinals. We’ve heard from victims and advocates from Fiji, Tonga, Belgium, France, South Africa, Malawi, France, Italy, Canada, and all over the United States. Abuse survivors do not want to see another conclave that elects a pope who has shielded and covered up for clergy offenders,” said Sarah Pearson, a SNAP spokesperson.  

Survivors reacted to Monday’s announcements from the College of Cardinals, including that the cardinals had identified sexual abuse as one of the most pressing issues impacting the Catholic church and papal conclave. 

“It’s long overdue that the College of Cardinals finally acknowledges that clergy abuse is a defining factor in the conclave. Now they must act accordingly. The next pope cannot be another cardinal who has facilitated and enabled abuse throughout his career. If they are as serious about ending abuse as they say they are, they will announce a zero tolerance law on day one of the next papacy,” said Peter Isely, SNAP founding member and chair of Global Advocacy.

Survivors with SNAP will remain in Rome through the papal conclave continuing research on papal candidates and remaining available for media commentary and interviews. 

SNAP is urging survivors and whistleblowers with documents and evidence to email the group at info@conclavewatch.org.