In recent weeks, a significant storm has surrounded Pope Leo XIV, previously known as Robert Prevost, and his early days as Pope. The drama stems from startling accusations made by a former Chicago-area priest.
The defrocked priest claims that Pope Leo, before he ascended to the papacy, allowed him to relocate to a Hyde Park monastery without addressing prior allegations of child molestation. This monastery was disconcertingly close to an elementary school.
Residence Near a School Raises Questions
James M. Ray, who once served as a priest, shared with the Chicago Sun-Times that it was Prevost who, in his role as leader of the Midwest province of the Augustinian order, permitted Ray to live at St. John Stone Friary between 2000 and 2002.
Ray stated, “He’s the one who gave me permission to stay there,” leaving no room for misinterpretation.
What makes this situation particularly troubling is that Ray was already under suspicion for sexual abuse involving at least 13 children. Despite this, he resided a mere block away from St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School, which had no knowledge of his presence.
Documents initially indicated by church officials misleadingly claimed there was no nearby school, but this has been shown to be incorrect. A child care center was also located in close proximity, yet neither parents nor staff were informed.
Ray noted, “The Augustinians were the only ones who responded when the Archdiocese put out the word looking for housing,” dismissing any claims of pressure from the Archdiocese.
Was the Arrangement Clear?
Though the primary responsibility for Ray fell under the archdiocese, being one of its priests, no legal mandate existed to inform neighbors of an accused abuser’s presence.
A complaint alleges that Prevost was aware of the situation, referring to a 2000 internal memo from the archdiocese, suggesting he should have alerted the school.
The Augustinians’ lawyer contends Prevost simply “accepted a guest of the house,” placing the duty of monitoring Ray on the onsite supervisor, the late Rev. James Thompson.
Ray was removed from his public role in 2002 after a significant investigation by the Boston Globe unveiled widespread cover-ups within the Church. Conclusively, Ray was defrocked in 2012.
Ray reflects, “I felt abandoned by the church, but never felt abandoned by God.” He maintains his faith, despite the ongoing pain these allegations bring him.
Though accusations against Ray involve several victims, he minimizes these as “just giving back rubs” to a young man, leading to unclear defenses.
“Silence isn’t the Answer”
Dealing with the Church’s historical abuse issues, Pope Leo XIV has promised greater transparency and healing. In 2023, having assumed responsibility for appointing bishops at the Vatican, Prevost acknowledged progress while stressing that more support is needed for bishops underprepared to address these challenges.
He stated, “Silence is not the solution. We must be transparent and honest, we must accompany and assist the victims, because otherwise their wounds will never heal.”
Yet this current claim casts doubts on the actions taken under his leadership within the Augustinians. Fortunately, the pope himself has faced no accusations of wrongdoing.
When questioned about Prevost’s rise to pope, Ray quipped, “Why did it have to be an Augustinian?” in jest regarding his assignment to the papacy.
Despite this humor, Ray regards Prevost’s appointment with “very positive vibes.”
He also hints at other controversial figures from Prevost’s tenure hovering in the background. As the Church seeks progression, it appears history’s shadow remains.
