Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
7h ago

Pope Leo Faces Immediate Calls for Zero-Tolerance Reform on Clergy Abuse

SNAP urges the first American pope to enact decisive measures within 100 days, including universal policies and reparations, as scrutiny mounts over his past handling of abuse cases.

Cardinal Robert Prevost appears on the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica after being chosen the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, choosing the name of Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, becomes the first American to lead the Catholic Church, assuming leadership of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
  • Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) is demanding a universal zero-tolerance policy on clergy abuse and a reparations fund supported by church assets.
  • SNAP has raised concerns about Prevost’s past actions, including allegations that he failed to act on abuse cases as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and allowed a priest accused of abuse to reside near a school in Chicago in 2000.
  • The Vatican has denied Prevost’s authorization of the Chicago friary transfer and any wrongdoing in his handling of Peruvian abuse cases, but SNAP is calling for a full investigation.
  • SNAP has set a 100-day expectation for Pope Leo XIV to enact binding reforms, marking a critical test of his commitment to transparency and accountability.