Madrid, 9 January 2026 – Spain has reached a landmark Church–State agreement on the recognition, reparation, and financial compensation of victims and survivors of clerical sexual abuse. The agreement represents a decisive breakthrough after years of advocacy led by survivors and supported by civil society organizations, notably ANIR (Association for Stolen Childhood) and Justice Initiative Spain, an NGO funded by the Guido Fluri Foundation.
The newly announced framework is not based on the unilateral imposition of a legal obligation. Instead, it rests on a mutual agreement between the parties, to be formalized through a negotiated convention developed with the participation and input of victims themselves. This victim-centered approach marks a significant shift in how past cases of abuse are addressed in Spain.
At the core of the agreement is the creation of a basic Statute for Victims, which will define clear procedures and organizational structures for the official recognition of victim and survivor status. The Statute will also establish a system of comprehensive reparation, including restorative and symbolic measures, moral reparation, psychological and psychiatric care provided by professionals freely chosen by victims -potentially extended to family members – and financial compensation for those affected. Additional forms of reparation may also be agreed upon within the framework of the convention.
This development follows years of determined work by Justice Initiative Spain in close cooperation with other victim associations such as ANIR. The organizations have held repeated meetings with the Spanish authorities and submitted a ten-point proposal focused on prevention measures and the creation of a victims’ statute, many elements of which are now reflected in the agreement.
Beyond the national level, Justice Initiative Spain has also played an active role in European advocacy. Its work at the European Parliament and, in particular, at the Council of Europe contributed to the adoption of Recommendation 2533, which calls on all member states to recognize and repair all victims and survivors of child abuse and sexual violence against minors, regardless of statutes of limitations. The recommendation is inspired by the Swiss model, widely regarded as a benchmark for Europe.
In this context, the Spanish agreement is widely seen as a concrete step toward implementing European standards. Justice Initiative Spain acknowledged the role of the Government of Spain, and in particular the negotiating capacity and pragmatic leadership of the Minister of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts, Félix Bolaños, and his team. The organization also expressed its appreciation for the work of the Spanish Ombudsman, Ángel Gabilondo, whose mandate will be extended in light of this agreement, as well as for the engagement of the Holy See including Pope Francis (RIP), Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Commenting on the announcement, Guido Fluri, founder of the Guido Fluri Foundation and initiator of the Justice Initiative, stated: “The work carried out by Justice Initiative in Spain makes me deeply proud. Spain is on the path to becoming a European example in the implementation of Recommendation 2533, translating recognition of suffering into concrete reparation and compensation for victims.”
This agreement is considered a historic milestone for survivors in Spain. Justice Initiative Spain welcomes this progress and emphasizes that it will continue to monitor the implementation of the agreement closely, to ensure that recognition, reparation, and financial compensation are delivered effectively and in full respect of victims’ rights.
Press release in Spanish: Comunicado 09.01.2026
