Pope Leo XIV draws praise on handling sex abuse — and some complicated allegations

Pope Leo XIV draws praise on handling sexual abuse—and some complicated allegations

Amid the mostly joyous reception for Robert Prevost, who stunned the world when he emerged from the loggia of St. Peter’s as Pope Leo XIV, one cloud on his reputation came from groups alleging that he had mishandled sexual abuse cases.The...

Pope Leo XIV draws praise on handling sex abuse — and some complicated allegations

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Abuse watchdog groups have expressed concern, but Leo has been lauded by other survivors for his handling of abuse.

Cardinal Pedro Barreto was emphatic in pointing out that Pope Leo XIV will continue the work policy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, with whom he began much of the reforms regarding the fight against abuse and corruption within the Catholic Church. “With Pope Francis he has initiated a frontal struggle against sexual abuse, against corruption within the church, there is greater freedom to denounce any aspect that affects people and especially t…

Survivors call for pope to pass new anti-abuse policies

[Click here to see video.] As the first American pope addressed the faithful from St. Peter’s Basilica last week, he called for peace and unity, but what Pope Leo XIV did not address has some concerned. Investigative Reporter Tracee Wilkins explains what clergy sex abuse survivors say they want to hear from Pope Leo now that he’s the leader of the Church.