Advocates Demand Accountability for Sex-Abuse Cases from Pope Leo XIV’s Time in Chicago and Peru

Survivors of clergy sexual abuse and advocacy groups are urging Pope Leo XIV to confront and clarify his role in handling past abuse cases during his leadership in both the United States and Peru. Their calls for transparency have intensified following his recent elevation to the papacy.

Before becoming pope, Leo XIV,formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost,held key positions as the head of the Augustinian order in Chicago and later as bishop in the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru. During both tenures, questions have been raised over his decisions related to priests facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct.

In Chicago, one controversial case involved Father James Ray, a priest previously accused of sexual abuse. Advocates claim that despite Ray’s record, Prevost approved arrangements for him to live near a school, resulting in legal backlash and a multimillion-dollar settlement. Survivor groups argue this reflects a troubling pattern of leniency toward accused clergy under Prevost’s watch.

Similarly, during his time in Peru, multiple reports of abuse surfaced—including claims by three sisters who accused two priests of sexual assault. Critics allege that investigations led by the diocese under Prevost were either insufficient or poorly followed through. Although Church officials stated that he met with the victims and initiated proceedings, survivor accounts contradict this, saying they saw no meaningful accountability.

Now, advocacy organizations such as the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) and BishopAccountability.org are calling on Pope Leo XIV to prioritize structural reform. They’ve outlined key demands: the establishment of an independent truth commission, a consistent zero-tolerance policy, creation of a reparations fund, and the formation of a council of survivors to advise the Vatican.

As the new pope begins his leadership, survivors and observers around the world are watching to see whether he will reckon with the past and take concrete steps to restore trust within the Catholic Church.