Survivors of clergy sexual abuse have renewed calls for sweeping reforms within the Catholic Church, urging Pope Leo XIV to adopt a global zero-tolerance policy on sexual abuse. Speaking from the pontiff’s American hometown of Chicago, advocates from the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) raised questions about the pope’s past handling of abuse cases during his tenure in Chicago, Peru, and at the Vatican.
SNAP criticized Pope Leo formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost for not doing enough in cases spanning continents, including allegations against priests in Peru, Colombia, Canada, and Australia. While no accusations have been made directly against him for abuse or for knowingly keeping abusers in ministry, SNAP argues that his leadership lacked the urgency and transparency survivors deserve.
“It is our hope that Pope Leo does the right thing,” said SNAP president Shaun Dougherty. “But it’s our experience that says he’ll only act under pressure.”
The Archdiocese of Chicago defended the pope, stating he consistently followed church law and expressed compassion for survivors. They emphasized that in cases like the 2022 allegations in Chiclayo, Peru where Prevost served as bishop the accused priests were removed from ministry, civil authorities were informed, and survivors were offered support.
However, critics contend that Prevost failed to investigate some allegations thoroughly, including one involving a priest who later worked at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. Advocates argue Prevost should have intervened earlier, given his leadership role with the Augustinians at the time.
SNAP is demanding more than reactive measures. The group is calling for a global truth commission, survivor reparations, and permanent removal from ministry for any priest found guilty of abuse measures long overdue, they argue, for a church facing a credibility crisis.
Although Pope Leo’s office for bishops played a role in investigating clergy, SNAP pointed out that final decisions rested with his predecessor, Pope Francis. As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, survivors and advocates alike are watching closely, determined to ensure that past inaction does not repeat itself under new leadership.
