Ex-Priest Claims New Pope Knew of Abuse Risk and Did Nothing

Just weeks into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV — formerly Robert Prevost — is facing a wave of controversy stemming from his past leadership in the Catholic Church’s Augustinian order in the United States.

James M. Ray, a former priest defrocked over allegations of child sexual abuse, now claims that Prevost personally approved his housing at a Hyde Park monastery in Chicago — even though Ray had been accused of molesting at least 13 children at the time.

The friary in question, St. John Stone Friary, is located less than a block from St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School, as well as a child care center — neither of which were informed about Ray’s presence.

“He’s the one who gave me permission to stay there,” Ray told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Records Contradict Church’s Initial Statements

Initially, official church documents claimed that there was no school nearby when Ray moved into the friary between 2000 and 2002.

However, those claims have since been proven false.

Not only was the school within walking distance, but a daycare center was just across the alley.

Despite the close proximity to children, no legal requirement at the time forced church leaders to notify residents or school officials about Ray’s history.

Ray was under strict internal restrictions and was supposed to be monitored while living at the friary.

Who Knew What — and When?

At the time, Prevost was the Midwest regional head of the Augustinians, responsible for decisions about who could reside at properties under his authority.

A 2000 internal memo reportedly shows that Prevost was informed about Ray’s background before approving his stay at the friary.

Still, a lawyer for the Augustinians claimed that Prevost was simply “accepting a guest” and that the now-deceased Rev. James Thompson was the one responsible for daily oversight of Ray.

Ray, meanwhile, rejected the idea that the Archdiocese forced his placement there, saying:

“The Augustinians were the only ones who responded when the Archdiocese put out the word looking for housing.”

Ray was removed from ministry in 2002, after the Boston Globe’s famous investigation into clergy abuse sparked a wider reckoning in the Church. He was defrocked in 2012.

Pope’s Past and Present in Focus

As Pope Leo XIV, Prevost has publicly supported transparency and healing in the face of the Church’s global abuse crisis.

Just last year, while serving in a Vatican role responsible for selecting bishops, he told Vatican News:

Silence is not the solution. We must be transparent and honest. We must accompany and assist the victims, because otherwise their wounds will never heal.

But the newly surfaced claims from Ray may prompt renewed scrutiny over Prevost’s own record, especially during his time in the U.S.

To be clear, Pope Leo XIV has not been accused of abuse, and there’s no evidence that he acted unlawfully in the case.

However, critics argue that even if his actions were technically within bounds, the ethical concerns remain — especially in light of the Church’s efforts to rebuild trust.

Ray Speaks — Minimizes Allegations

Despite the serious nature of the allegations against him, Ray has continued to downplay the accusations.

“It was a young man I gave back rubs to,” he told reporters, before adding vaguely, “I don’t know,” when asked to elaborate.

Still, Ray says he feels “abandoned by the Church” and maintains his personal faith in God.

My faith is still strong. I live out my life each day the best I can. When this comes up, there’s a pain in my chest.

In a strange twist, when asked about Prevost’s election as pope, Ray — despite everything — said it “gives off very positive vibes,” even joking, “Why did it have to be an Augustinian?”

He also hinted that there are other questionable figures from that era whose stories have yet to surface.