Asger Risom
Former Augustinian Leader Criticized for Slow Transparency in Clergy Abuse Crisis
Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, has already brought a reputation for openness and social advocacy.
However, serious questions remain about his past leadership of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), particularly concerning the order’s handling of sexual abuse allegations during his tenure in Chicago and at the global level.
Augustinians Criticized as “Lagging in Transparency”
As reported by Digi24, the Midwest Province of the OSA—spanning 12 U.S. states—was under Cardinal Robert Prevost’s leadership over two decades ago. Victim advocates and journalists criticized the order for only releasing its first credible offenders list in 2024, far behind other Catholic groups such as the Jesuits.
The delayed action came after years of public pressure and after widespread media coverage of accusations against Rev. Richard McGrath, the former head of Providence Catholic High School near Chicago.
Allegations of Inaction and Misdirection
Prevost’s past leadership has drawn scrutiny, especially following revelations from a Chicago Sun-Times investigation in 2021.
The report alleged that the order housed a credibly accused predator priest near a Catholic primary school without informing local parents or authorities. Records suggest McGrath was transferred to a monastery near a kindergarten in 2017–2018 without public disclosure. Church officials claimed no school existed at that time, but local records indicated otherwise.
In correspondence with reporters, Prevost gave polite but evasive responses and never answered direct questions about the order’s long-standing delays in addressing abuse transparency.
Victims and Critics Express Disappointment
Ken Kaczmarz, a survivor of abuse by a former OSA priest, expressed outrage at Prevost’s elevation: “I’m shaking, I’m so angry. It’s obvious they didn’t care about that guy’s history.” A Chicago-area priest, speaking anonymously, added: “Regardless of his theological brilliance, he sheltered predators near a school.”
Though Prevost himself was not personally accused of wrongdoing, critics argue that he failed to push for decisive reform. Defenders within the order point to his role in introducing child protection guidelines before they were mandated globally, including a 2010 training program for senior Augustinian leaders.
A Legacy Under Review
Prevost’s name also surfaced in a civil case involving McGrath, where his connection was incidental but noted.
He was mentioned by the next head of Providence High School as having once suggested recruitment assistance within the order.
The controversy casts a complex shadow over Pope Leo XIV’s early days in the Vatican. While he is praised for progressive views on immigration and social justice, his track record on abuse accountability is now drawing global attention — and may become a defining challenge of his papacy.