In a whirlwind of controversy following his election, Pope Leone XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, faces serious allegations regarding his past handling of sexual abuse cases within the Church. The rapper Fedez ignited the media storm by unveiling troubling incidents linked to Prevost's tenure as both an Augustinian provincial in Chicago and later as bishop in Chiclayo, Peru.
Fedez, whose real name is Federico Lucia, took to Instagram shortly after the papal announcement to shed light on two significant controversies that he claims tarnish Prevost's reputation. "In the 2000s, when he led the Augustinians in Chicago, Prevost was involved in the management of a priest already convicted of pedophilia," Fedez stated, raising eyebrows and prompting a wave of discussions online.
He continued, highlighting a more recent incident during Prevost's time in Peru, where he allegedly failed to transparently address accusations against two priests during his episcopate in Chiclayo. The rapper's claims echo sentiments from critics who argue that Prevost's actions—or lack thereof—demonstrated a troubling pattern of negligence.
Delving into the specifics, Fedez pointed to the cases of Richard McGrath and James Ray, Augustinian priests accused of sexual abuse in the 1990s while under Prevost's authority. Critics have accused Prevost of not taking decisive action against these clerics, which some believe contributed to a culture of silence around abuse within the Church.
In a more recent case from 2020, three sisters—Ana Maria Quispe Diaz, Aura Teresa, and Juana Mercedes—reported that they had suffered abuse from two priests between 2006 and 2010. It was alleged that Prevost, then bishop of Chiclayo, suggested the sisters seek civil justice, stating that without a formal complaint, the Church could not initiate a canonical investigation.
The Vatican quickly came to Prevost's defense, with his collaborators asserting that he has always adhered to canonical procedures. They emphasized that Prevost had established the first listening center for victims in Peru and presided over the Episcopal Commission for the Protection of Minors. This response, however, did little to quell the criticism stemming from Fedez's allegations.
Moreover, conservative factions within the Church have seized upon these controversies to further their critique of Prevost, who was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis just eight months prior to his papal election. These groups allege that Prevost's association with Pope Francis's progressive agenda has made him a target for their discontent, with accusations surfacing that he has helped cover up abuse scandals involving other prelates in both the U.S. and Peru.
One particularly damning report emerged from the Spanish religious news outlet "Infovaticana," which published a 40-page dossier detailing the case of the three sisters. The report claims that Prevost did not adequately follow up on their allegations, transferring the accused priests instead of taking necessary actions to protect the victims. This report has fueled calls for accountability and thorough investigations into Prevost's past.
Adding to the pressure, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) issued a statement on March 25, 2025, demanding a comprehensive investigation into Prevost's actions. The organization accused him of "abuse of ecclesiastical power, office and function that has hurt vulnerable people and created scandal." This statement underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability within the Church.
As the new pontificate begins, the implications of these allegations could weigh heavily on Leone XIV. Critics argue that these controversies may overshadow his efforts to foster a Church that is more compassionate and attuned to the needs of marginalized communities, a vision that aligns with Pope Francis's own teachings.
The fallout from Fedez's accusations and the subsequent media coverage has sparked a broader conversation about the Church's ongoing struggle with sexual abuse scandals. Many are questioning whether the Church can truly reform itself while such serious allegations linger over its leaders.
In the face of these challenges, Prevost's supporters insist that he has made strides in addressing abuse within the Church, pointing to his establishment of support systems for victims and his engagement with the Episcopal Commission for the Protection of Minors. However, the enduring skepticism surrounding his past actions continues to fuel public discourse.
As the world watches closely, the new Pope must navigate these turbulent waters, balancing the demands for accountability with the need for healing and reform within the Church. How he addresses these allegations in the coming weeks and months will likely set the tone for his papacy and the Church's future.
The emergence of these controversies at the onset of Leone XIV's papacy serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny that Church leaders face in the wake of decades of scandal. The path forward remains uncertain, but the call for justice and transparency is louder than ever.
