Leo XIV has quickly rewarded loyalists who protect fellow clerics. He accepted the resignation of Denver’s Archbishop Sam Aquila and installed James R. Golka as his successor. Golka, appointed Bishop of Colorado Springs by Francis in 2021, was noted by Spanish media for sharing “similar ideological leanings as Pope Francis.” In other words, Leo’s pick is very much a continuity candidate, not a reformer. Yet Golka’s record is far from virtuous. He was at the center of a scheme to silence abuse victims and protect the powerful. This openly partisan elevation confirms the worst fears of Catholics: the post‑conciliar papacy rewards loyalty and cover‑ups rather than truth and charity.
Long before his Denver promotion, Bishop Golka entangled himself in the controversial case of Ricardo Coronado‑Arrascue, a Peruvian canon lawyer who dared represent abuse victims. Coronado had served as judicial vicar and chancellor under Golka in Colorado Springs. In May 2022, Coronado resigned those posts under pressure (a secrecy‑cloaked settlement was struck). By June 2023, the diocese announced vague “accusations” against Coronado and immediately barred him from ministry. Without specifying any wrongdoing, Church authorities effectively silenced a canon lawyer just as he dared to challenge an abuse cover‑up.
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