Abuse Survivors Urge Zero Tolerance from Pope Leo

Abuse Survivors Urge Zero Tolerance from Pope Leo \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Clergy abuse survivors are urging Pope Leo XIV to adopt a global zero-tolerance policy amid scrutiny of his past handling of abuse cases. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) pointed to unresolved allegations involving clergy in Chicago, Peru, and Australia. Advocates want stronger action, including transparency, reparations, and universal standards.

Quick Looks

• SNAP urges Pope Leo XIV to adopt zero-tolerance abuse policy
• Survivors cite alleged failures in U.S., Peru, Australia, Canada, Colombia
• No direct abuse claims against Pope Leo himself
• SNAP calls for global truth commission, survivor reparations, transparency
• Concerns over abuse cases under Leo’s leadership in Chicago
• One accused priest worked at Shedd Aquarium after abuse claims
• SNAP says Pope Leo delayed action on multiple cases
• In Peru, case reopened after Prevost left the diocese
• Leo led Vatican’s bishop oversight office from 2023–2025
• Some bishops accused of abuse kept their titles
• Vatican and Leo’s successor claim he acted lawfully
• Critics allege internal efforts to protect accused clergy
• Vatican sources say smear campaigns followed Leo’s work in Peru

Deep Look

Survivors of clergy sexual abuse are increasing pressure on Pope Leo XIV, calling on the newly elected pontiff to enact a global zero-tolerance policy for abusive clergy. Speaking from Chicago—Pope Leo’s American hometown—the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) raised questions about Cardinal Robert Prevost’s decades-long record dealing with abuse allegations before his papal election.

SNAP leaders cited troubling patterns of inaction and inadequate oversight stretching from his early leadership in Chicago to his roles in Peru and at the Vatican. While there are no allegations of abuse against Pope Leo himself, survivor advocates say his past decisions fell short of the bold action required to protect victims and remove predators from ministry.

A Global Call for Accountability

SNAP is demanding Pope Leo implement a universal policy: permanent removal from ministry for any priest credibly accused or found guilty of a single act of sexual abuse. While this policy has existed in the U.S. since 2002, the Vatican has yet to mandate it globally.

“This moment offers the new pope a chance to show survivors and the world that he values justice, transparency, and healing over institutional protection,” said SNAP President Shaun Dougherty. “We sincerely hope Pope Leo does the right thing. But experience tells us he’ll need public pressure to act.”

SNAP is also advocating for a global truth commission, financial reparations for victims, and transparent reporting mechanisms within the Church.

From Chicago to the Vatican: A History Under Scrutiny

Much of the current criticism stems from Cardinal Prevost’s time in Chicago, where he became Midwest provincial of the Order of St. Augustine in 1999. Three years later, he was elevated to lead the worldwide order.

One case that continues to haunt his legacy involves an accused priest who left the order in 1993 amid dozens of abuse allegations. Despite this history, the priest obtained a position at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, working with children on school field trips for nearly a decade. SNAP claims Prevost inherited this case when he assumed leadership and should have acted immediately to alert authorities and the public.

In 2003, the Shedd Aquarium issued a statement saying it would never have hired the man had it known about the abuse allegations. SNAP argues that Prevost failed to raise red flags about the priest’s access to children, even as his role in the Church deepened.

“This is the hidden history of Prevost’s leadership,” said SNAP’s Peter Isely. “This is the side of him that we are finally able to bring into the light.”

Allegations in Peru and Vatican Leadership

Further scrutiny centers on Prevost’s tenure as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, from 2014 to 2023. In 2022, three women accused two priests of sexual abuse. Although the diocese forwarded the case to the Vatican, it was closed without a finding. The local investigation resumed only after Prevost was promoted to a Vatican post.

The Vatican and his successor defended Prevost, noting he imposed temporary restrictions on the accused priest pending review by Peruvian authorities, who ultimately dropped the case due to the statute of limitations. Critics, however, argue he failed to pursue the matter aggressively enough.

Prevost was also closely involved in Vatican investigations into Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a controversial Catholic movement in Peru that Pope Francis ultimately dissolved due to abuse allegations. His work made him a target of backlash from within the group, and some Vatican insiders claim a social media smear campaign was launched to undermine him.

Oversight of Bishops Draws Fire

From 2023 to 2025, Cardinal Prevost led the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops—the powerful department responsible for overseeing bishop appointments and discipline worldwide. SNAP pointed to cases in Canada, Australia, and Colombia where bishops accused of abuse were allowed to resign but retained their titles. Advocates say this perpetuates a culture of leniency and signals institutional tolerance.

Under Vatican law, final decisions on bishops rest with the pope. During Prevost’s tenure, that was Pope Francis. However, SNAP argues that Prevost had significant influence over investigations and failed to publicly call for harsher consequences.

Legal experts note that under church law, simply removing a bishop from public ministry does not strip him of his clerical status unless the pope formally laicizes him—something that rarely occurs.

A Papacy Under Survivor Scrutiny

Though Pope Leo XIV enters his pontificate with a clean personal record, the legacy of how he managed clergy abuse claims may define public perception of his leadership. SNAP and other groups insist that symbolic gestures are no longer enough.

“It’s not just about avoiding scandal,” said Dougherty. “It’s about making the Church safe for everyone. And that starts with one universal rule: zero tolerance.”

Whether Pope Leo will act decisively or repeat the Vatican’s past reluctance remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—survivors and their advocates are watching closely and pushing for accountability like never before.

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