As Leo XIV assumes leadership over 1.4 billion Catholics, the future of the church's handling of sexual abuse is called into question.
Pope Leo XIV: A Controversial Legacy on Sex Abuse Within the Church

Pope Leo XIV: A Controversial Legacy on Sex Abuse Within the Church
An investigation of Pope Leo XIV's record reveals a mixed approach to handling sexual abuse allegations during his time as bishop.
In a detailed investigation by a team of New York Times reporters, crucial insights into Pope Leo XIV's handling of sexual abuse cases during his tenure as Bishop Robert Prevost in Chiclayo, Peru, are unveiled. His actions present a stark contrast in response to the sensitive topic of abuse, raising critical concerns over his legacy.
Between 2015 and 2023, Pope Leo was involved with two significant cases of sexual abuse. In one instance, he took a firm stance to advocate for victims associated with Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a controversial Catholic movement known for its abusive practices. He engaged in a fierce confrontation with influential Catholic authorities to bring justice to the victims.
Conversely, another case under his watch has drawn severe criticism. Victims and advocacy groups have accused Leo of failing to thoroughly investigate allegations made by three women who reported abuse by priests as children. According to findings, two priests who faced accusations continued their ministry while investigations were ongoing, raising alarms about the church's commitment to accountability.
Additionally, a priest, designated by Bishop Prevost to aid victims, allegedly discouraged them from seeking justice by suggesting that their experiences did not meet the threshold of serious abuse.
With Pope Leo XIV now at the helm of the Catholic Church, how he addresses these lingering issues remains critical, as the institution strives to regain trust amidst a legacy of deep-seated challenges.
Between 2015 and 2023, Pope Leo was involved with two significant cases of sexual abuse. In one instance, he took a firm stance to advocate for victims associated with Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a controversial Catholic movement known for its abusive practices. He engaged in a fierce confrontation with influential Catholic authorities to bring justice to the victims.
Conversely, another case under his watch has drawn severe criticism. Victims and advocacy groups have accused Leo of failing to thoroughly investigate allegations made by three women who reported abuse by priests as children. According to findings, two priests who faced accusations continued their ministry while investigations were ongoing, raising alarms about the church's commitment to accountability.
Additionally, a priest, designated by Bishop Prevost to aid victims, allegedly discouraged them from seeking justice by suggesting that their experiences did not meet the threshold of serious abuse.
With Pope Leo XIV now at the helm of the Catholic Church, how he addresses these lingering issues remains critical, as the institution strives to regain trust amidst a legacy of deep-seated challenges.