Robert Prevost made his first appearance from the Vatican balcony as Pope Leo XIV, offering his inaugural message as the new leader of the Catholic Church. While many celebrated his appointment, his past has surfaced with claims that could profoundly impact his papacy.
Now known as Pope Leo XIV, Prevost is the first pontiff born in the United States. However, he spent over two decades as a missionary in Peru. In September 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as cardinal, seeing him as a continuation of his reform-driven legacy.
Pope Leo XIV’s Dark Chapter in Chiclayo
Prevost’s past in Peru has become the subject of renewed scrutiny following an investigation by Cuarto Poder, a respected Peruvian outlet. The report accuses him of covering up misconduct cases involving clergy in Chiclayo, a city in northern Peru.
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According to the investigation, three young girls—aged between 9 and 11 at the time—came forward with allegations. Two chose to remain anonymous, but Ana María Quispe bravely spoke to the media. She recounted that at age nine, she was inappropriately approached by priest Ricardo Yesquen.
“He sat me on his lap and started kissing me,” she revealed.
Quispe reported the abuse to her family, who then turned to the local bishop—Robert Prevost. Despite being informed of the serious allegations, critics claim he failed to take decisive action.
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Another survivor, a former catechist, alleged she was mistreated at age 11 in Cueva Blanca and also reported the incident to Prevost. The accused individual later admitted to the wrongdoing. Yet, rather than removing him from ministry, Prevost reportedly reassigned him to a different location.
The diocese’s only public statement claimed that canonical protocols were followed. Prevost advised the victims to pursue civil action. Unfortunately, the cases were later closed due to insufficient evidence and statutes of limitation. Many argue that Prevost did little beyond administrative procedures, offering no meaningful support to the victims.
As this information circulates online, many are questioning whether Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will carry forward Pope Francis’ efforts to confront abuse within the Church—or quietly close the book on these painful chapters.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Fernando Eslava in Cultura Colectiva.
