Accusations Against Pope Leo XIV Resurface Amid Controversy Over Alleged Abuse Cover-Ups

ITItaly|

The election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8 has reignited long-standing accusations regarding sexual abuse cover-ups during his tenure as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. These claims, which have persisted for over a year, allege that inaction was taken regarding accusations against local priests. Vatican sources have described these allegations as unfounded and connected to an ultra-right media campaign, asserting that actions by then-cardinal Robert Prevost were appropriate.

Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, previously supported abuse victims during the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae scandal in Peru, and critics argue that the current accusations reflect a campaign aimed at undermining his rise within the Church. According to journalist Paola Ugaz, this campaign seeks to exploit victims’ statements while neglecting their experiences.

The situation escalated further following accusations concerning Prevost's actions in the United States, where he allegedly overlooked risks related to a known pedophile priest. As the allegations against Prevost emerged, many within the Vatican expressed concern over a lack of defensive statements from the Holy See, leading to questions about the Church's internal dynamics and its commitment to addressing sexual abuse.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Italy

Shocking Murder Case Unfolds Near Florence as Woman Found Beheaded

In a disturbing incident, authorities have discovered the remains of Maria Denisa Paun, a 30-year-old escort, beheaded and encased in a suitcase near Florence, Italy. According to local media reports, Paun had been missing since May 15, and her remains were located near an abandoned farmhouse in Montecatini Terme, approximately 40 kilometers west of Florence, three weeks after her disappearance. Vasile Frumuzache, a 32-year-old security guard, has reportedly confessed to the crime, claiming that he killed Paun after she threatened to inform his wife about their encounter unless he compensated her approximately $11,450. The suspect, also a Romanian national, stated that Paun was blackmailing him. After the alleged murder, he dismembered her body and concealed it in a garbage bag within the suitcase. Investigators tracked Frumuzache using GPS data from his vehicle, ultimately leading them to the site where Paun's remains were found. The case has garnered widespread media attention, highlighting the grim reality of violence against women in Italy.
ITItaly

Mount Etna Erupts, Prompting Evacuations and Ash Clouds

Italy's Mount Etna erupted on June 2, 2025, sending ash, rock, and molten lava into the air, prompting tourists to evacuate. According to the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory, the eruption sends ash and gases "several kilometres high," with explosions audible up to 50 kilometers away. The renowned volcano, located on Sicily, attracts around 1.5 million visitors each year. Authorities reported a "partial collapse" on the northern flank of the volcano’s southeast crater, which is classified as a pyroclastic eruption. This intense volcanic activity resulted in dangerous gases and lava flows; however, no major injuries were reported. Local officials stated that evacuation orders were unnecessary as nearby towns remained safe and prepared for eruptions. Sicily's president, Renato Schifani, reassured the public that lava flows had not breached containment areas. Flight operations have been affected, with a Volcanic Observatory Notice for Aviation issued to avoid the region, although Catania and Palermo airports remain open.
ITItaly

Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Leaders to End Conflict in First Address

In a powerful inaugural address from St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV called on world leaders to commit to "no more war" during his first Sunday speech. He specifically urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and lasting peace between India and Pakistan. The Pope described the recent fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan as a beacon of hope and prayed for a "miracle of peace" through faith and unity. Quoting his predecessor, Pope Francis, he lamented the numerous conflicts affecting the globe, declaring it a "third world war in pieces." His remarks resonated with an estimated gathering of 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square and along the Via della Conciliazione. The Pope's call for peace comes amid heightened global tensions, underscoring the urgency for diplomatic resolutions in volatile regions. Pope Leo XIV’s message served as a reminder of the Church's commitment to peace, urging action from leaders across the world, according to reports from various news agencies.
ITItaly
All Italy News ->