Pope Leo abuse case in Peru muddled by language, cultural barriers

A Peruvian woman who says she was sexually abused by two priests as a girl traveled to Pope Leo XIV’s hometown of Chicago in late July to personally tell media her claims of how the newly elected pope mishandled her case when he served as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru.

Organized by The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, the July 31 press conference was the first time Ana María Quispe Díaz, whose story has been amplified by advocates and rehashed in media, spoke for herself since Leo’s election.

Quispe Díaz told reporters she first met with Leo, then-Bishop Robert Prevost, in 2022 to report two priests that she and other Chiclayo women claim abused them as girls. Initially, she said, Prevost encouraged her to report the abuse to civil authorities, but, according to Quispe Díaz, he later failed to properly investigate, remove the accused priests from ministry or provide adequate support for survivors.

Religion & Politics

Photos of the Week: 80th atomic bombing anniversary, Argentine saint pilgrimage

Monks at a memorial service for atomic bombing victims ahead of a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the bombing near Nagasaki Peace Park, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Nagasaki, western Japan. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

In Opinion

And finally, How Hindus are embracing gender equality in an ancient siblings tradition

The Hindu holiday of Raksha Bandhan, which falls on Saturday (Aug. 9), has long followed a familiar custom: a sister ties a rakhi, or sacred thread, around her brother’s wrist to symbolize her love and prayers for his well-being. In return, the brother gives her a gift and promises to protect her.

That message didn’t always sit right with some Hindus.

“Over and over, the narrative that I heard growing up was quite clear: the woman is asking for her protection from the brother,” said Ajanta Chakraborty, a children’s book author and public speaker. “I always felt that it should be a two-way street. In a sibling relationship, and for that matter, any relationship, both parties should take care of each other.”

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