Holy smokes—literally! White smoke signaled a historic moment on May 8, 2025: Cardinal Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff. But hold the hosannas! This Chicago native’s path to the papacy is littered with scandal, from alleged clergy abuse cover-ups in Peru to a dicey Chicago decision. Ready for the heavenly gossip? Let’s unpack the divine drama!

Meet Pope Leo XIV

Born September 14, 1955, Robert Francis Prevost, 69, is an Augustinian friar with a stellar resume: Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Villanova, Master of Divinity from Chicago, and a canon law doctorate from Rome. Ordained in 1982, he missioned in Peru, led the Augustinians (2001–2013), and served as Bishop of Chiclayo (2015–2023). In 2023, Pope Francis made him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. Now, as the 267th pope, his motto is In illo uno unum (“In the one Christ we are one”)

A Dramatic Papal Election

After Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, 133 cardinals convened on May 7. By the fourth ballot, white smoke puffed at 6:00 p.m. Rome time, May 8. Pope Leo XIV, in a red cape Francis shunned, blessed the crowd in Italian and Spanish, saying, “Peace be with you all.” Cheering throngs shouted “Viva il papa!” but storm clouds loomed.

Chiclayo Scandal: Abuse Cover-Up by Prevost?

In Chiclayo, Peru, three sisters, including Ana María Quispe Díaz, accused priests Eleuterio Vásquez Gonzáles (“Father Lute”) and Ricardo Yesquen of abusing them as kids (2006–2010). They alerted Prevost in 2020, met him in 2022, but claim he stalled—no probe, no support, just a tip to call police. The diocese says Prevost investigated and reported to the Vatican, yet the sisters spotted Father Lute at Masses in 2023. A rumored $150,000 hush payment spices up this mess.

Chiclayo’s Lawyer Takedown

The sisters’ lawyer, Ricardo Coronado, was barred from canon law practice in August 2024, then defrocked for alleged sexual misconduct (which he denies) after taking their case. Critics smell a plot to shield Prevost, especially since his Augustinian pal, Bishop Edinson Farfán Córdova, now runs Chiclayo and clams up on the case. This screams cover-up conspiracy!

Chicago’s Risky Call

In 2000, as Chicago’s Augustinian provincial, Prevost okayed Father James Ray, accused of 13 counts of child abuse, to live at St. John Stone Friary—near an elementary school! Prevost knew Ray’s rap sheet, but the school wasn’t warned. Ray left in 2002, laicized in 2012. Cardinal Blase Cupich later called it a bad move, and Prevost’s silence doesn’t help.

SNAP Demands Justice

On March 25, 2025, SNAP demanded a Vatican probe under Vos estis lux mundi, blasting Prevost’s Chiclayo inaction and Chicago blunder. They say his bishop-picking role makes his “endangerment” of kids unforgivable. With Prevost now pope, will the Vatican investigate its own? Don’t hold your breath.

A Pope with Progressive Flair

Prevost’s a centrist, echoing Francis’ love for migrants and the poor, supporting Communion for divorced Catholics and mildly backing same-sex blessings. Yet, he’s staunch against women deacons. His Peruvian roots and Vatican gigs made him a “universal” pick, backed by Cardinals Pierre and Maradiaga. Trump cheered his win, but scandals linger.

Latin America’s Opaque Church

Chiclayo’s woes reflect Latin America’s lax abuse policies. Unlike U.S. dioceses cracked open by lawsuits, Peru’s statute of limitations shields priests like Vásquez. Prevost’s listening center feels like a Band-Aid, and Farfán’s secrecy fuels distrust. Why can’t Peru’s bishops, unlike France’s, open their files?

Prevost’s Tarnished Tiara?

Pope Leo XIV’s a brainy diplomat with a heart for the downtrodden, but his Chiclayo and Chicago scandals cast long shadows. Elected amid cheers, his past—rife with cover-up claims—threatens his reign over 1.4 billion Catholics. Can he rise above the muck? Or will controversy sink his papacy?

What’s your take—can a flawed pope lead with faith?

Source Links: ABC News | CBS News | Reuters | Newsmax.com | America’s Voice | OANN | Pillar Catholic | College of Cardinals Report | Catholic Vote | Crux Now | Los Angeles Press | New Daily Compass

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