Newly elected Pope Leo XIV is facing growing questions over his past handling of sexual abuse cases while also being recognized for bold actions against a notorious religious group in Peru.

While credited with exposing widespread abuse by the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae organization, Pope Leo is also facing criticism over how he addressed separate allegations involving priests accused of sexually assaulting minors, New York Times reported.

Before becoming pope, Robert Prevost served as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, beginning in 2015. During his tenure, he took strong measures against Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a powerful Catholic movement accused of severe abuses, including corporal punishment and psychological control.

Praise for Past Efforts Against Religious Movement

Sodalitium, founded in 1971 by Luis Fernando Figari, was investigated and denounced in the investigative book “Half Monk, Half Soldier.” Prevost is recognized for helping victims in Peru by coordinating meetings with Church leadership, pushing for Vatican intervention, providing counseling services, and facilitating financial compensation.

His continued pressure contributed to the organization’s dissolution shortly before he became pope. One of his key efforts came in 2018 when he arranged a critical meeting between abuse survivors and top Church officials in Lima, helping amplify victims' voices within the institution.

Few Church leaders in Peru took action on the Sodalitium scandal, setting Prevost apart. In 2023, he was appointed to a high-ranking Vatican role overseeing bishop nominations, and later that year was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis.

Separate Abuse Allegations Emerge in Chiclayo

Despite his efforts in that case, Prevost’s actions in another abuse matter have stirred concern. Three Peruvian women approached him in 2022, alleging they were sexually abused as children by two priests, including Father Eleuterio Vásquez. At the time, Prevost reportedly expressed belief in their testimonies and encouraged reporting the crimes.

The civil investigation into the claims was ultimately abandoned due to expired legal deadlines. A concurrent Vatican inquiry was closed in August 2023, citing insufficient evidence and the dropped civil case as reasons for abandonment.

Although Church officials claimed Father Vásquez was placed under restrictions, social media revealed he continued celebrating Mass publicly — even alongside Prevost. According to Vatican guidelines, such priests should not perform duties while under investigation, raising questions about oversight.

Concerns Over Priestly Assignments and Responses

Prevost assigned Father Julio Ramírez to support the victims, but in a recorded conversation, Ramírez minimized the accusations, pointing out that rape had not occurred and suggesting that led to lower Vatican priority. The comment sparked outrage among victims' advocates.

Another priest, Father Alfonso Raúl Obando, also accused of sexual abuse, remained in ministry in Chiclayo despite official orders to the contrary. He continued engaging with young people, and has only recently been dismissed from the priesthood by Vatican authorities.

Church lawyer Ulices Damián defended Prevost, stating he acted according to proper procedure and gathered written testimonies and internal records. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the inquiry “went beyond the requisites,” affirming protocol was followed.

Critics And Supporters Clash Over Leadership Legacy

Still, victim advocacy groups have called for structural reform within the Vatican, condemning the current system as insufficient for true accountability. They are pushing for global zero-tolerance policies and independent oversight when bishops fail to act effectively.

One of the women involved, Ana María Quispe, began speaking out publicly in November 2023. She used platforms like TikTok to challenge Church leaders, saying they “always protect” the accused, allowing them to cause more harm.

Journalist and abuse survivor Pedro Salinas praised Prevost’s courage in the Sodalitium case, describing him as attentive and engaged. On the other hand, Peter Isely, a founding member of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, argued that survivors are skeptical of Prevost and he must work hard to regain their trust.

Political Undercurrents and Internal Church Conflict

The controversy surrounding Prevost has been further complicated by claims of political manipulation. Some allege that conservative groups, possibly aligned with Sodalitium, elevated the women’s claims to weaken Prevost’s credibility upon his rise to the papacy.

One media outlet, La Abeja, has been accused of contributing to this effort. A former priest, Ricardo Coronado, acted as a go-between for the victims and national news outlet Cuarto Poder. He was later dismissed from the priesthood under unrelated misconduct accusations.

Coronado denied having ties to Sodalitium and stated that his removal was connected to his role assisting the women. Abuse survivor Rocío Figueroa also claimed there was a coordinated campaign to discredit reformers like Prevost and herself.

Ongoing Investigations Offer Mixed Hope

The Chiclayo diocese reopened the case against Father Vásquez in late 2023. He eventually requested to leave the priesthood voluntarily, and is now awaiting a final decision from the Vatican.

As Pope Leo XIV steps into global leadership, these contrasting records frame a deeply divided legacy. His role in taking down one of Peru’s most abusive religious movements remains lauded by many, yet questions still swirl around unresolved cases from his time as bishop.

With public confidence on the line, pressure mounts for the Vatican to adopt higher standards of transparency and oversight — even at its highest levels — as survivors seek justice and accountability.