Vatican also investigates reports that came to public in 2023; Diocese where Robert Francis Prevost acted says he followed correct proceedings
Three Peruvian women said in 2023 that Robert Francis Prevost, 69, Cardinal elected new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday (8.MAI.2025), covered abuses of 2 priests against them when they were children.
Prevost, who chose the name of Pope Leo 14, was at the time administrator of the diocese of Chiclayo in Peru. The Vatican opened an investigation into the case, not yet completed, according to the website g1.
Born in Chicago, Prevost acted for two decades in Peru, even obtaining citizenship from the South American country. One of the women said he called the religious in 2020 to talk about abuse. Only 2 years later he formally referred reports to the Vatican.
One of the Peruvian priests accused by women was removed. The other no longer acted in the church because of health problems. The Peruvian diocese has always denied that there was cover -up, reinforcing that Prevost fulfilled the Vatican protocol.
Scandals involving abuse are a problem for the Catholic dome. Already during the conclave who chose Pope Francis’ replacement, Anne Barrett Doyle, director of the Bishop Accountability organization, defending abuse victims, gave interview to journalists at the Vatican. She stated that the cardinals then favorites to be the new pontiff –The Italian Pietro Parolin eo Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle —It would be bad choices for having covered cases of sexual aggression in the church. Prevost was not quoted.
