Pope Leo XIV Accused of Mishandling Sexual Abuse Cases: SNAP Files Vatican Complaint

Pope Leo XIV Faces Accusations of Mishandling Sexual Abuse Cases The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) held a press conference on May 20, 2025, accusing Pope Leo XIV of mishandling sexual abuse cases. SNAP representatives stated that they filed a formal complaint with the Vatican six weeks before Pope Leo XIV's election. The complaint alleges that the Pope failed to adequately address numerous cases of abuse during his time as a bishop and cardinal. "It doesn't seem that Prevost prioritized protecting children at all," stated James Egan, a SNAP spokesperson. The video shows various clips of church leaders and press conference footage. The Archdiocese of Chicago responded with a statement asserting that, "to our knowledge, Pope Leo XIV has acted in accordance with Church policies in every abuse case within his scope of leadership at the time and has consistently expressed his compassion for survivors of this crime and sin." The contrast between SNAP's allegations and the Archdiocese's defense highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Church's handling of abuse cases. This situation underscores the ongoing need for transparency and accountability within the Catholic Church regarding sexual abuse allegations. The actions of SNAP demonstrate the persistence of survivors in seeking justice and demanding change within the institution.