Clergy molestation survivors concerned and insulted by election of Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV's election after facing allegations of mishandling clergy abuse cases has sparked controversy, with critics arguing his handling of past scandals, including covering up priests accused of molestation in the U.S. Midwest and Peru, raises serious questions about accountability. The Catholic hierarchy's history of allowing abusive behavior to persist—and then excusing itself when it fails to protect victims—has left survivors and advocacy groups like Snap and SCSA expressing grave concerns, calling for stricter measures against clergy abuse and reparations from church assets.