Pope Leo XIV Faces New Scrutiny Over Abuse Case Tied to His Past Leadership
Just weeks into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost) is facing serious allegations. A defrocked Chicago-area priest, James M. Ray, claims that Prevost — then head of the Augustinian order’s Midwest province — approved his stay at St. John Stone Friary from 2000 to 2002, despite knowing Ray had been accused of sexually abusing at least 13 children.
Ray lived less than a block from St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School and near a child care center, neither of which were notified. Church records wrongly claimed there was no school nearby.
Ray says the Augustinians volunteered to house him, contrary to suggestions that the Archdiocese forced the arrangement. A 2000 internal memo reportedly shows Prevost knew about the situation. However, a lawyer for the Augustinians says Prevost merely allowed Ray to stay as a guest and that another priest was responsible for supervision.
Ray was removed from ministry in 2002 and defrocked in 2012. Despite serious accusations, he downplays them, claiming, “It was a young man I gave back rubs to.”
Prevost has previously spoken of the need for transparency and support for abuse victims, stating, “Silence is not the solution.” He has not been accused of abuse himself.
Still, this case raises troubling questions about his past leadership. Ray hinted others from that era may also be hiding secrets. As the Church looks to heal, the past continues to cast a shadow.
