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13h ago

Whistleblower Documents Accuse Pope Leo XIV of Mishandling Clergy Abuse Cases

Survivor advocates call for a global zero-tolerance law as new evidence highlights alleged failures in Chicago, Peru, and the Vatican.

FILE - Pope Leo XIV appears at the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for his first Sunday blessing after his election, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, May 11, 2025.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, File)
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Peter Isely, one of the founders of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests and a survivor of sexual abuse by a priest, speaks during a news conference discussing Pope Leo XIV’s past and what SNAP would like him to do regarding sexual abuse in the Catholic church, on May 20, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) released whistleblower documents alleging Pope Leo XIV mishandled abuse cases during his roles in Chicago, Peru, and at the Vatican.
  • SNAP is demanding a global zero-tolerance canon law to permanently remove clergy found guilty of sexual abuse and to criminalize cover-ups within the Church.
  • Key allegations include the placement of accused priests near schools in Chicago and the closure of abuse cases in Peru due to statute of limitations under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership.
  • As head of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo XIV oversaw cases involving accused bishops from Canada, Colombia, and Australia, who resigned but retained their status.
  • The Vatican has defended Pope Leo XIV’s actions as compliant with existing church law, but survivor groups argue that systemic reforms are urgently needed.