Pope Leo XIV's Mixed Record on Sexual Abuse Cases in Peru

As Pope Leo XIV undertakes his role as the leader of the Catholic Church, scrutiny of his actions in Peru offers insight into a complex legacy regarding sexual abuse cases. His responses have been lauded in some instances but criticized in others, indicating a need for consistency to rebuild trust within the church.

Sex abuse scandals have profoundly affected the Catholic Church, with numerous priests worldwide accused of harming children. As Pope Leo XIV takes leadership of 1.4 billion Catholics, his stance on sexual abuse is crucial for the church's efforts to regain credibility. Investigations by a team of New York Times reporters into his tenure as Bishop Robert Prevost in Chiclayo, Peru, from 2015 to 2023 highlight stark contrasts in his handling of two abuse cases.

In one notable case, Bishop Prevost demonstrated strong advocacy for victims, confronting influential church figures to seek justice for victims of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a movement implicated in manipulating and abusing young members. Conversely, in another situation involving claims from three women regarding abuse by priests, his response has drawn condemnation. Critics assert that Bishop Prevost failed to adequately investigate these claims, allowing accused priests to remain active in their roles, occasionally working with minors.

The investigation further uncovered troubling testimonies from victims who had been counseled by a priest appointed by Prevost. This priest indicated that accountability might be limited, claiming that the severity of the reported abuse had not met a threshold he defined. These inconsistencies in handling such critical issues may shape Pope Leo XIV's papacy as he navigates the challenge of addressing past failures while striving to lead an institution that has faced significant public scrutiny.