Background on Papa León XIV and His Predecessor’s Actions
Robert Francis Prevost, now Papa León XIV, was elected as the 267th pope following a long career in Peru, where he had to confront the scandals that have been shaking the Catholic Church for years as the then-bishop of Chiclayo.
Pope Francis’s Initiatives Against Sexual Abuse
Pope Francis introduced numerous measures to combat sexual abuse within the Church, including lifting the papal secrecy and mandating reporting of cases to the hierarchy. These efforts aimed to address the ongoing issue of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.
Concerns Over Papa León XIV’s Stance
One of the main challenges for Papa León XIV is to continue the fight against sexual abuse in the Church initiated by his predecessor. However, his ambiguous stance in Peru has raised concerns among victim advocacy organizations.
Prevost’s History and Actions in Peru
During his time as bishop of Chiclayo from 2013 to 2025, Prevost did not publicly name any of the perpetrators involved in sexual abuse cases, according to Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of Bishop Accountability.
- Three victims reported their allegations to the diocese without success and eventually brought them to civil authorities in 2022.
- Prevost failed to open an investigation and sent inadequate information to Rome, allowing the accused priest to continue his duties.
- As head of the Augustinians in Chicago, he permitted a priest accused of sexually abusing minors to live near a city school in 2000.
Prevost’s Role in the Sodalicio Case
Before leaving Peru, Pope Francis ordered intervention in the Sodalicio de Vida Cristiana (SCV), a conservative lay and clergy organization from Peru, following seven years of investigations into abuse allegations against four SCV leaders.
- The organization admitted to sexually abusing 19 minors and 10 adults between 1975 and 2002.
Prevost played a crucial role in the dissolution of SCV, according to Pedro Salinas, one of the victims.
Expectations and Calls to Action
Pope Francis’s initiatives against pedophilia in the Church included lifting papal secrecy and mandating reporting of cases to the hierarchy. However, victim advocacy groups expressed disappointment with his actions.
- SNAP called on Papa León XIV to take decisive action within his first 100 days, including a zero-tolerance law in canon law and a compensation fund.
- In a 2019 interview with La República, Papa León XIV (then-Cardinal Prevost) expressed his rejection of cover-ups and secrecy, stating that such practices cause significant harm to victims.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the main challenges facing Papa León XIV? His primary challenge is to continue the fight against sexual abuse in the Church initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
- What actions did Pope Francis take against sexual abuse? Pope Francis introduced measures such as lifting papal secrecy and mandating reporting of cases to the hierarchy.
- What concerns exist about Papa León XIV’s stance on sexual abuse? Victim advocacy organizations are concerned about his ambiguous stance in Peru, particularly regarding the naming of perpetrators and handling of abuse cases.
- What role did Papa León XIV play in the Sodalicio case? He played a crucial role in the dissolution of the Sodalicio de Vida Cristiana (SCV) following abuse allegations against its leaders.
- What expectations exist for Papa León XIV’s actions against sexual abuse? Victim advocacy groups, such as SNAP, have called for decisive action within his first 100 days, including a zero-tolerance law in canon law and a compensation fund.
