For some survivors, he was a hero. Others who reported abuse said he failed them.The New York Times reports that as Bishop Robert Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, assumed the papacy, his handling of clergy sexual abuse has come under scrutiny due to two contrasting cases. In one instance, Bishop Prevost stood up for victims of sexual abuse by a cultlike Catholic movement in Peru, going against powerful Catholic figures. However, in another case, he was accused of not properly investigating claims of abuse by two priests in his diocese, one of whom he had worked closely with.
As Pope Leo XIV takes on the role of leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, his actions in these two cases have received vastly different reactions. His efforts to address the abuse by Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a group that had gained influence after receiving approval from Pope John Paul II, have been praised by victims. Bishop Prevost arranged meetings between victims and church leaders, provided support for those who suffered abuse, and pushed for the group to disband. However, in the other case, he has faced criticism for not doing enough to address the abuse allegations.
As Bishop Prevost rose through the ranks of the Vatican, he continued to put pressure on Sodalitium, ultimately leading to its disbandment just weeks before he became the first American to lead the Catholic Church. In May, as the news of his election as Pope Leo XIV was announced, people in Chiclayo celebrated in front of the cathedral. However, the contrasting cases have left him open to differing judgments, with some praising his actions and others claiming he let victims down.
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