Next pope likely to have covered up sex crimes: New whistleblower docs show liberal and conservative candidates involved in abuse cover-ups
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2025
Global survivors will unveil a 100-day roadmap for the next pope to solve the clergy abuse crisis on Thursday
ROME, ITALY — As the College of Cardinals gathers to elect a new pope, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), ConclaveWatch.org, and survivor leaders from across the globe are sounding the alarm: the next pope is almost certain to have covered up clergy abuse. He will also appoint others with similar records to key Vatican positions.
As the papal conclave begins, Conclave Watch will release newly obtained evidence from survivor networks and church whistleblowers across multiple continents at a press conference tomorrow afternoon in Rome at 1:00pm at the Orange Hotel. These records reveal that both liberal and conservative cardinal candidates have, during their ecclesiastical careers, concealed or failed to act on credible reports of child sexual abuse by clergy under their authority.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 1:00pm
WHERE: Orange Hotel, Via Crescenzio, 86, 00193 Roma RM
WHAT: A press conference featuring clergy abuse survivors and advocates sharing new whistleblower information and discussing an open letter to the new pope
“One thing is certain,” said Sarah Pearson, a spokesperson for SNAP. “Whether a cardinal is labeled liberal or conservative, that distinction is irrelevant—and dangerously misleading—when it comes to the widespread and systematic cover-up of clergy sex crimes. These cardinals, regardless of theological positions, have overseen abuse crimes, misled the public, protected perpetrators, and obstructed justice.”
As a new papacy begins, Conclave Watch will continue to release evidence, similar to the documents released today, obtained from abuse survivors and church whistleblowers focusing on individuals the pope will be selecting to run his new administration.
“We cannot change the past, but we can prevent the next generation from living through the same horrors,” said Peter Isely, SNAP Global Affairs Chief. “The question is not whether the next pope has covered up abuse. The question is whether he will stop.”
On Thursday, global survivors will release an open letter addressed to the yet-unnamed new pope, outlining a roadmap of concrete steps he must take in his first 100 days to confront and resolve the continued crimes of clergy sexual abuse. These actions include:
Publicly acknowledging and disclosing any abuse cases he handled or concealed in the dioceses or Vatican offices he previously led.
Opening all abuse-related archives under his past authority and instructing others in the hierarchy to do the same.
Signing into canon law a universal, binding zero-tolerance law that mandates the permanent removal from ministry of any clergy known to have sexually assaulted or abused children or others—no exceptions, no delays.
Personally participating in a global, independent transitional justice process, designed and led by survivors and international human rights experts—not controlled by the church.
“The cardinals should consider the abuse records of candidates in the conclave and choose a pope who will stop the abuse of children, remove all known offenders from the priesthood, and order the full release of abuse archives,” said James Egan, spokesperson for SNAP. “We are hoping for a peacemaker pope who will work to end violence in the world, beginning with sexual violence in the Catholic Church.”
Survivors, witnesses, and whistleblowers are urged to share any information about abuse and cover-up involving Catholic cardinals with SNAP by emailing info@conclavewatch.org.