/MC/ Vatican City (Signal High) for PowerGames.Online —– Just hours after 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected in conclave, and named Pope Leo XIV, a group representing the survivors of sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic priests spoke up against him.
They are calling on the Pope to institute a zero-tolerance policy and demanding an investigation into his handling of prior misconduct allegations. The 25,000 member, worldwide support network known as SNAP released a statement today speaking to the “gravity of the role,” noting that Prevost is the first American pope in the church’s 2,000+ year history. The group released a six-page letter (made available to the public) calling on the new pontiff to “install a truly universal zero tolerance law for sexual abuse and cover-up by clergy.”
The group is critical of the Pope, as Prevost, for his dealings with James Ray, a priest accused of abusing minors. Ray was given permission to move his friary, Augustinians’ St. John Stone in Chicago, despite the building being near a Catholic elementary school. Records show church officials allowed the move claiming there were “no school in the immediate area.” Despite steadfast denials by the Vatican, Prevost is blamed for endangering the safety of children at the school by approving the transfer.
SNAP claims that in 2022, Prevost (as bishop of Chiclayo in Peru), misled the Vatican and refused to properly investigate when three victims reported sexual abuse to authorities, then allowed the accused priest to continue delivering mass. The Vatican continues to deny any wrongdoing in the case; however, SNAP demands a full investigation into both matters.
The group has filed numerous complaints with the Vatican and have yet to receive a response. SNAP writes, “You can end the abuse crisis — the only question is, will you?”
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