Many media outlets reported that President Donald Trump accused Pope Leo XIV of being “weak on crime.” What the media failed to address is whether there is evidence to support this allegation. Based on my work as a sex abuse victims’ advocate and investigative reporter, I have to concur with the accusation and say that the American-born Pope is not only “weak on crime,” but one reason he was elected was to continue the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who covered up the crimes of hundreds of bishops and thousands of priests.
Lisa Roers, who reported to civil authorities that she and another woman were sexually abused in Elgin, Nebraska, by Father Dennis Hanneman when they were around 10 years old, appealed to Pope Francis, requesting that her complaint be properly investigated and justice be served. Her open letter was never acknowledged or answered. Church leaders in both Nebraska and the Vatican, familiar with the case, do not want to follow proper protocol by removing Hanneman from ministry pending the results of an investigation because they know it could result in many victims coming forward who could corroborate Lisa’s claims.
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