Spain's Catholic Church Apologizes for Franco-Era Abuses, but Survivors Demand More

Spain's Catholic Church Apologizes for Franco-Era 'Women's Protection' Centers, but Survivors Protest Insufficient Reparations MADRID, Spain – In a historic event, the Spanish Conference of Religious (CONFER) issued a formal apology on Monday for the suffering inflicted upon thousands of girls and women incarcerated in the 'Patronato de Protección a la Mujer' during Francisco Franco's dictatorship. However, the apology was met with immediate protests from survivors who felt it fell short of addressing the decades of abuse and trauma they endured. The 'Patronato,' ostensibly created to protect women, operated as a network of institutions run by Catholic organizations. Survivors describe horrific conditions, including severe religious indoctrination and psychological abuse. Consuelo García, a survivor, recounted her experience: "Yo sentí una aguja en mi vena, y ya no me acuerdo de nada más. Me desperté en una habitación que no conocía de nada." (I felt a needle in my vein, and I don't remember anything else. I woke up in a room I didn't know at all.) The apology ceremony was disrupted by protesters who held signs reading "NO" and chanted for "Libertad, justicia y reparación." (Freedom, justice, and reparation.) Their actions underscore the deep-seated anger and frustration felt by survivors who have waited decades for meaningful accountability. While CONFER expressed remorse, acknowledging past mistakes, survivors argue that the apology lacks substance and fails to address systemic issues. The protest highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive reparations and a thorough investigation into the abuses that occurred within the 'Patronato' system. The event marks a significant step towards acknowledging past injustices, but also underscores the long road ahead to achieving true reconciliation and justice for the victims of this dark chapter in Spanish history.