James M. Ray, a former Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing at least 13 minors, has alleged that Pope Leo XIV formerly Robert Prevost was complicit in decisions that placed him near children, despite prior abuse allegations. The following are 15 shocking details that have emerged, raising serious questions about the newly appointed Pope’s past role in the scandal:
- Pope Leo Allegedly Approved Ray’s Move Near a School
According to Ray, then-Augustinian leader Robert Prevost personally authorized his residence at a monastery adjacent to a Catholic primary school—despite knowing about prior abuse accusations. - Ray’s History as an Abuser Dates Back to 1990
The Archdiocese of Chicago publicly listed Ray as an accused child abuser as early as 1990, well before his placement near the school. - He Continued Working in Multiple Parishes
Despite known allegations, Ray was still allowed to serve in three different parishes—raising concerns over leadership failures during Pope Leo’s tenure. - School Authorities Were Left Uninformed
Thomas the Apostle Elementary School, located next to the Hyde Park monastery, was reportedly never warned about Ray’s past. - Church Officials Misrepresented Proximity to Schools
The Archdiocese allegedly claimed there were “no nearby schools,” even though one was directly next to the monastery where Ray stayed. - Ray Lived at the Monastery for Two Years
Ray spent two years at the St. John Stone Friary during a period when Pope Leo held a key leadership role in the Augustinian Order. - Incident Occurred Under Pope Leo’s Midwest Leadership
At the time, Pope Leo was in charge of the Midwest Province of the Augustinians, directly overseeing clergy placements. - At Least 13 Victims Have Come Forward
A minimum of 13 individuals have accused Ray of abuse—some reportedly before his placement at the monastery. - Pope Leo Has Never Addressed the Allegations
Despite years of growing scrutiny, Pope Leo has remained silent about his involvement in decisions surrounding Ray. - Pope Leo’s Papacy Begins Amid Controversy
His recent elevation to the papacy is clouded by serious ethical questions and renewed public outcry over church accountability. - Ray Publicly Identifies Pope Leo
In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Ray named Pope Leo as the one who approved his move near the school. - Victims Were Left Unprotected
The church’s failure to safeguard children under Pope Leo’s watch may have allowed further abuse to occur. - Lack of Transparency in Clergy Assignments
Ray’s presence in the community was never publicly disclosed—raising accusations that Pope Leo participated in deliberate secrecy. - Global Scrutiny of Pope Leo’s Past
The case has drawn international attention, with victim advocacy groups demanding a thorough investigation into his historical handling of abuse cases. - A Threat to the Church’s Ongoing Credibility Crisis
As the Catholic Church struggles to restore trust after decades of abuse scandals, these revelations risk reigniting widespread disillusionment among believers.