New evidence shows Pope Leo XIV granted dispensation to accused Peruvian priest to end internal investigation of his own conduct

In new audio recording, Diocese of Chiclayo calls pope’s investigation a “joke” 

SNAP to file updated Vos estis lux mundi complaint using new evidence of cover-up

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2025

Survivors of clergy sexual abuse will hold a press conference tomorrow morning (Thursday December 4, 2025) in Chicago to release new evidence showing Pope Leo XIV wielded his new papal authority to avoid testifying about his involvement in covering up child sex abuse in Peru.

WHEN: Thursday, December 4, 2025, 11:00am CST
WHERE: Club Quarters Hotel, 2nd floor, Michigan Room, 75 E Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60601
WHO: Abuse survivors, representatives of SNAP
WHAT: A press conference on newly revealed evidence demonstrating continued cover-up of abuse in Chicago-born Pope Leo’s Diocese of Chiclayo, including internal Vatican documents, emails from Pope Leo, and recordings of meetings with church officials

Survivors are concerned that Pope Leo may claim immunity for covering up sex crimes committed when he was a bishop prior to his election.

The evidence includes recordings of church officials, direct emails from Prevost regarding the case in Chiclayo, and documents demonstrating a papal-approved retirement scheme that ended a Vatican investigation.

Survivors will read a statement from Ana María Quispe Díaz, the abuse survivor at the center of this investigation, reacting to Fr. Eleuterio Vásquez Gonzáles’ “honorary discharge” from the priesthood and new revelations of Leo’s active role and interest in her case before and after the May 2025 conclave.

Quispe previously traveled to Chicago in July to testify in a press conference alongside representatives of SNAP.  

Video of the press conference will be available on SNAP’s website following the event.