Pope Leo XIV's Legacy: A Mixed Record on Sexual Abuse

The investigation sheds light on the varying responses of Pope Leo XIV to allegations of sexual abuse, highlighting a complex legacy as he takes a pivotal role in guiding the Catholic Church.

Sex abuse scandals continue to plague the Catholic Church, prompting heightened scrutiny as Pope Leo XIV now leads over 1.4 billion Catholics globally. His leadership is critical in restoring faith and trust within the Church. A recent investigation by The New York Times provides an illuminating assessment of his past actions while serving as bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, from 2015 to 2023.

The findings reveal sharp contrasts in Leo's response to two separate cases of sexual abuse. In one instance, he stood firmly with victims of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a controversial Catholic group facing allegations of manipulating children from affluent families through various forms of abuse. His efforts in this case highlighted his commitment to accountability, often positioning himself against the hierarchy to advocate for justice.

Conversely, in a different case, Leo has been accused of inadequately addressing claims involving three women who reported being sexually assaulted by priests during their childhood. The contradictions in his responses raise serious concerns, as victims contend that some accused priests were allowed to continue their duties even while under investigation. Testimonies further reveal that individuals whom Leo appointed to support victims offered them discouraging advice, suggesting that their experiences did not warrant serious action from the Church due to the absence of physical rape.

As the global Catholic community watches closely, Pope Leo XIV's future decisions will be critical in shaping the Church's response to these long-standing issues.