The first American pope is accused of turning a blind eye when priests under his wing were accused of sexual abuse. Now the leader of a group of survivors hopes his election will shine a light on the problem.
| Published May 9, 2025
In a historic moment, Robert Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, has become the first North American pontiff. But his rise to the papacy is shadowed by serious allegations of neglect in addressing child sex abuse cases involving priests in both Chicago and South America. These claims, brought forward by survivors and advocacy groups, have cast a cloud over his leadership, raising questions about his past decisions.
Background and Allegations
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, is a native of Chicago and previously served as the bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru. His tenure in these regions has come under scrutiny due to accusations that he failed to act on multiple reports of child sex abuse by clergy members.
In Chicago, accusations focus on Father James Ray, an Augustinian priest removed from public ministry due to allegations of abuse but allowed to reside at St. John Stone Friary, located just half a block from an elementary school. Critics argue that Prevost’s failure to notify the school’s leadership of Ray’s history put children at risk.
Similarly, in Peru, Prevost’s leadership in the Diocese of Chiclayo has been questioned after allegations emerged against two priests accused of sexual abuse. Reports claim the diocese, under Prevost’s direction, downplayed the allegations when communicating with the Vatican, leading to no meaningful investigation.
Response from Survivors and Advocacy Groups
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) has been one of the most vocal critics of Pope Leo XIV. Eduardo Lopez de Casas, SNAP’s national vice president and a survivor of clergy abuse, has publicly condemned Prevost’s handling of abuse allegations in both the U.S. and Peru, expressing concern over his new role as pontiff.
Eduardo Lopez de Casas hopes that Pope Leo’s election will shine a brighter light on sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church
“Staying silent is a sin. It’s not what God wants us to do,” Lopez de Casas told DailyMail.com. “Jesus wants us to stop these things, not make a healthy garden for sexual abuse to grow.”
Pros and Cons of Pope Leo XIV’s Leadership
Pros:
- As the first North American pope, Pope Leo XIV brings a fresh perspective to the Vatican.
- His experience in both the U.S. and South America gives him a broader understanding of church dynamics.
- Supporters describe him as intelligent, pastoral, and deeply committed to the faith.
Cons:
- Serious allegations of neglect in handling child sex abuse cases in both Chicago and Peru have damaged his reputation.
- Critics argue that his leadership has prioritized the church’s image over the safety of abuse victims.
- His past decisions may undermine trust in his ability to address global clergy abuse scandals.
Conclusion
The election of Pope Leo XIV has sparked both hope and concern. For some, his North American roots and extensive experience are signs of a new direction for the Catholic Church. For others, the allegations of neglect in addressing clergy abuse cast a long shadow. Only time will reveal whether his papacy will be defined by accountability or further controversy.
SOURCES: DAILYMAIL ONLINE – Pope Leo XIV already engulfed in child sex abuse scandal just hours after being elected as first American pontiff
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