A defrocked Chicago priest, James M. Ray, accused of sexually abusing at least 13 minors, has made shocking allegations against Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Prevost). When Prevost was head of the Augustinian order’s Midwest Province, he approved Ray’s move to a monastery in Hyde Park, near a Catholic elementary school, despite Ray’s history of abuse accusations.
Ray lived at St. John Stone Friary from 2000 to 2002, close to a school and childcare center, neither of which were informed of his presence. Church officials falsely claimed there was no school nearby. Ray says Prevost gave him permission to stay, supported by internal documents and testimony from a now-deceased monastery monitor.
Ray was under restrictions since 1990 due to abuse allegations, removed from ministry in 2002 after investigations, and defrocked in 2012. He has minimized some accusations but admitted wrongdoing.
Pope Leo XIV has faced criticism for allegedly ignoring abuse allegations in the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, which he led from 2014 to 2023. Survivors’ groups demand transparency and scrutiny over his past actions. Prevost has publicly said “silence is not the solution” regarding abuse.
Despite controversies, Ray described Prevost’s appointment as pope with “very positive vibes,” hoping it will bring more attention to abuse victims.
