15 Stunning Facts linking Pope Leo to Ray scandal

1. Pope Leo Personally Approved Ray’s Relocation

James M. Ray claims Pope Leo, then a senior Augustinian leader, personally gave him permission to reside in a monastery next to a Catholic primary school despite knowing the child sex abuse allegations against him.

2. Ray Was a Known Offender Since 1990

Ray was publicly listed by the Archdiocese of Chicago as an accused sexual predator as far back as 1990, long before his move near a school.

3. He Was Still Assigned to Multiple Parishes

Despite restrictions, Ray continued ministerial work at three different parishes, raising major questions about oversight and accountability under Leo’s leadership.

4. The School Was Never Warned

The St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School, located next to the Hyde Park monastery, was allegedly never informed of the danger posed by Ray.

5. Archdiocese Falsely Claimed No Schools Nearby

Church officials reportedly misled others by stating there were “no schools in the immediate area,” even though a primary school was literally next door.

6. Ray’s Monastery Stay Lasted Two Years

He stayed at St. John Stone Friary for two full years, despite his history of abuse — during which Pope Leo was a key decision-maker in the Augustinian Order.

7. Scandal Traces Back to Pope Leo’s Leadership in Midwest

The events occurred during Leo’s tenure as head of the Midwest Province of the Augustinians, giving him direct responsibility for clergy assignments.

8. Ray Abused at Least 13 Children

At least 13 children have come forward with accusations against Ray — a number known at the time Leo allegedly facilitated Ray’s monastery placement.

9. Pope Leo Remained Silent About the Case for Years

Despite growing scrutiny, Pope Leo never publicly addressed his role in the decision or Ray’s access to vulnerable environments.

10. Pope Leo’s Election Now Shadowed by Abuse Allegations

His papacy is off to a highly controversial start, with serious ethical questions now dominating headlines rather than his religious vision.

11. Ray Publicly Named Pope Leo

Ray himself has gone on record with the Chicago Sun-Times, explicitly naming Leo as the official who approved his living near the school.

12. Victims Were Denied Protection

The church’s actions under Leo’s watch appear to have placed vulnerable children at continued risk, violating safeguarding principles.

13. Lack of Transparency in Clerical Movements

The church failed to transparently disclose Ray’s presence to community members — and Pope Leo was allegedly complicit in this secrecy.

14. Pope Leo’s Past Now Under Global Scrutiny

The scandal has drawn international attention, with victims’ rights groups calling for a deeper investigation into Leo’s past handling of abuse cases.

15. Accusations Threaten Church Credibility Anew

At a time when the Catholic Church is struggling to rebuild trust after decades of abuse scandals, these revelations could trigger fresh outrage and disillusionment among the faithful.