Pope Leo XIV Faces Scrutiny and Praise Over Clergy Abuse Record

As Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV, his election has sparked both celebration and concern. While many honor his historic appointment, especially in the U.S. and Peru, some groups are raising questions about his track record with clergy sexual abuse cases.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), a global organization representing over 25,000 abuse victims, expressed serious worries about Prevost’s past. They urged the new Pope to introduce a universal zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and cover-ups within the Catholic Church.

Who is Pope Leo XIV?

Born in Chicago, Prevost spent most of his career in Peru as a missionary and later as a bishop. He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru and was chosen as pope on May 8, 2025, a day after the conclave began following Pope Francis’s passing.

Abuse Allegations from Chicago and Peru

Concerns have resurfaced about how Prevost dealt with abuse allegations in both Chicago and Peru:

• In Chicago, a priest named James Ray with a history of abuse allegations was allowed to live near a school, though church officials claimed there was no school nearby. Ray was later listed among abusive clergy by Illinois authorities.
• In 2022, while Prevost served as bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, three women accused two priests of sexually abusing them when they were minors. They said no proper investigation was carried out, and the case was eventually archived without action.

SNAP filed a formal complaint with the Vatican earlier this year, saying Prevost failed to act. Both Peruvian civil authorities and the Vatican later closed the case, citing lack of evidence and expiration of the legal time limit.

His Role in Exposing Abuse in Peru

Despite the criticism, Prevost has also been praised for taking strong action in other abuse cases. He played a key role in shutting down the Sodalitium of Christian Life, a powerful conservative Catholic group in Peru accused of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse.

In January, Prevost met with one of the victims, Jose Enrique Escardo, alongside Pope Francis shortly before the former pope died. Francis officially dissolved the group weeks later.

Voices of Support and Caution

Some Catholic leaders and advocacy groups acknowledge that Prevost has taken meaningful steps in certain abuse cases. Bishop Carlos García Camader of Peru praised his efforts to listen to survivors and support a truth commission.

However, others, like Bishop Accountability, warned that while Prevost has shown courage in some instances, the real test will be whether he enforces stronger church-wide protections and holds abusers accountable.

Pope Leo XIV’s Commitment to Transparency

In previous interviews, including one with La Republica in 2019, Prevost spoke out against cover-ups and encouraged victims to come forward. He stressed the importance of church transparency and supporting those hurt by abuse.

“If someone has suffered because of a priest’s actions, they must speak out,” he said. “This helps the individual, the Church, and the community.”