After weeks of tensions, the Spanish Government, Episcopal Conference, and Ombudsman signed a protocol on Monday to improve compensation for clergy sexual abuse victims. Negotiations nearly collapsed last Saturday, but Vatican mediation by Pietro Parolin enabled the deal. The mixed system allows previously compensated victims to claim more, with the Ombudsman's final say.
On January 8, the Government and Church signed an initial agreement to create a repair system for pedophilia victims when justice is not viable. Since then, Government, Church, and Ombudsman representatives met eight to ten times, per sources familiar with the talks.
Tensions peaked on Saturday March 28, when "there was a moment when everything broke," sources present recount. The Church sought to reverse initial pact elements, like allowing PRIVA-compensated victims to claim more and giving the Ombudsman final say. This meant sharing PRIVA control with the State.
Félix Bolaños, Minister of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Cortes, sought mediation from Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. After a March 20 meeting, Parolin pressed to resolve it before the Pope's June visit. "The hardest part was not losing patience," said Ombudsman Ángel Gabilondo.
Episcopal Conference President Luis Argüello stressed going "face to face" without fixed scales. The protocol takes effect April 15, assessing cases individually. Bolaños clarified all victims can join, even if previously compensated.
