From Cases to Scandals? Media Representations of Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church in Italy

The issue of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church has sparked widespread public outrage and media attention worldwide. In Italy, where the Church holds a particularly influential position in society, media portrayals of these cases play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and discourse. This study aims to explore how cases of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church have been represented in Italian media, focusing on the transition from individual and specific cases to broader scandals. The Italian context presents a unique lens through which to examine this issue, given the country’s cultural, historical, and social ties to the Catholic Church. Understanding the media’s role in constructing these narratives is critical to highlighting how media representations not only reflect but also influence public awareness and institutional responses to sexual abuse within the Church.