Kathrine Frich
This isn’t the first time Pope Leo XIV has faced criticism over abuse handling.
This isn’t the first time Pope Leo XIV has faced criticism over abuse handling.
Approved the move
A disgraced former priest at the center of a massive child sex abuse scandal has dropped a bombshell accusation:
Pope Leo XIV himself once approved his move to a monastery just steps from a Catholic school, despite existing abuse allegations.
The Path of Robert Prevost
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost was the head of the Midwest Province of the Augustinian order.
Now, he’s facing scrutiny over his handling of abuse cases during that time, specifically, his alleged role in allowing a known abuser to live near children.
“He’s the One Who Let Me Stay There”
James M. Ray, a former priest accused of molesting at least 13 children, told the Chicago Sun-Times that it was Prevost who signed off on his two-year stay at St. John Stone Friary in Hyde Park.
An adress located less than a block from a Catholic elementary school and a daycare center.
No School Nearby? A Blatant Misrepresentation
Church paperwork reportedly claimed there were “no schools in the immediate area.”
In reality, St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary and a childcare center were mere steps away. Neither institution was warned about Ray’s presence.
He Should’ve Been Watched
Ray was supposed to be under strict monitoring at the friary. Church officials say that was the justification for not alerting school leaders.
But critics argue this arrangement put children at serious risk.
Lawyer Shifts Blame Away from the Pope
Michael Airdo, attorney for the Augustinians, defended Pope Leo by placing the responsibility on the late Cardinal Francis George and another deceased priest, James Thompson.
According to Airdo, Prevost merely approved housing, not supervision.
Victims as Young as 10: Disturbing Details Resurface
In 2023, Illinois Attorney General findings revealed Ray’s victims ranged in age from 10 to 18.
He reportedly manipulated families, gave back rubs that turned sexual, and admitted to multiple cases of misconduct, including one involving a paraplegic in an airport.
“I Was Wrong… But It Was a 1 Out of 10”
Ray has tried to downplay the abuse allegations, calling one victim a “young adult” and describing the offense as minor.
But his words have done little to ease the anger surrounding his past and the role others may have played in enabling it.
More Shadows from Prevost’s Past
This isn’t the first time Pope Leo XIV has faced criticism over abuse handling.
In Peru, victims say his diocese failed to take proper action against two accused priests, allegedly burying evidence and running out the clock on legal timelines.
Survivors’ Network Sounds the Alarm
Advocates say Prevost’s election was flagged to all 135 voting cardinals. “He will be scrutinized,” said SNAP’s vice president.
“And that’s good for victims, because now the spotlight is on.”
Pope Leo’s Own Words: “Silence Is Not the Solution”
In a 2023 interview, Prevost said transparency is key to healing abuse survivors. “There is a great responsibility in this, for all of us,” he said.
But critics now question whether his past actions align with those words.