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A decision made in 2000 to relocate a priest accused of abuse to an Augustinian friary in Chicago was initiated by the Archdiocese of Chicago, not by now-Pope Leo XIV, according to a statement from the archdiocese. The placement of then-Father James Ray at St. John Stone Friary is under scrutiny due to presumed involvement by then-Father Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV.
Father Ray had several ministry assignments in the Greater Chicago area from his ordination in 1975 until 1991. The Illinois Attorney General’s 2023 report identified 13 survivors who accused him of abuse between 1974 and 1991. Following these allegations, the archdiocese imposed restrictions on his ministry and removed him from parish work in 1991. He was eventually laicized in 2012.
The move to the friary has faced criticism because it was near St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Grade School, yet no notification was given about Father Ray's presence nearby. This occurred before significant reforms were introduced following the Boston Globe's investigation into clergy sexual abuse.
The Archdiocese of Chicago stated that "Pope Leo XIV has acted in accordance with Church policies" regarding abuse cases within his leadership scope and has shown compassion for survivors. This response followed accusations from SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) that then-Father Prevost mishandled Father Ray’s placement.
SNAP filed a complaint against Cardinal Prevost using protocols established by "Vos Estis Lux Mundi," claiming he approved Father Ray's residence near a school without informing school officials, thus endangering children’s safety.
However, Michael A. Airdo, attorney for the Midwest Augustinians, noted there were no allegations against Father Ray during his stay at St. John Stone Friary. The archdiocese emphasized that Father Ray's placement adhered to policies at that time and prioritized supervision under trained personnel like Augustinian Father James G. Thompson.
Despite concerns about proximity to schools, documentation showed conflicting perceptions about nearby educational institutions' presence during decision-making processes for Father Ray’s residence.
Further controversy arose when SNAP repeated claims regarding Bishop Prevost's handling of abuse allegations while serving as bishop in Peru. Despite these claims, local church leaders defended Bishop Prevost’s actions as compliant with procedures.
SNAP urged Pope Leo XIV to implement a global "zero tolerance" policy for clergy abuse cases similar to U.S practices but remains hopeful due to Pope Leo's legal background and previous engagement with safeguarding initiatives.
Jesuit Father Hans Zollner expressed optimism about Pope Leo's commitment to addressing child sexual abuse issues through compliance, transparency, and accountability measures as essential components for maintaining church credibility and mission integrity.
Maria Wiering contributed reporting alongside Simone Orendain from Chicago and OSV News International Editors Paulina Guzik and Junno Arocho Esteves from Rome.
