Leo XIV’s Move: Laicizing Padre LutePriest Without a Trial
The case centers on the three sisters Quispe Díaz who accuse “Lute” of sexually abusing them when they were children (between ages 9 and 13). According to reporting, Lute acknowledged the acts as “sins” but claims they do not constitute crimes because there was no penetration.
Sudden Notification
Today, InfoVaticana.com reported that the sisters had been summoned in person because the cleric handling the case had important news for them.
Expecting a letter from Pope Leo XIV — perhaps an apology and clear steps towards justice — they instead received a folded sheet informing them that Leo XIV had granted Lute laicisation 'as a grace', thereby closing the canonical process.
In September, the sisters explicitly asked that no dispensation be granted until a proper investigation and verdict had been reached. Pope Leo XIV did not follow this request.
Haunted by this Case
The sisters met Prevost on 5 April 2022, when he was Bishop of Chiclayo. He said he believed them, promised support, and opened a “preliminary investigation” — but took no substantial investigative steps, such as formal statements.
The authorised biography of Leo XIV by Elise Ann Allen devotes 25 pages to the case. Prevost recounted an episode shortly before the death of Pope Francis. Cardinal Prevost received a phone call on 24 March, asking him to come to Santa Marta discreetly. Prevost said he snuck in unseen via a service staircase. After discussing routine matters, he told the ailing Francis that he was afraid of being asked for his resignation.
However, Pope Francis did not ask for his resignation, and they laughed together.
Furthermore, Prevost told Allen that he was concerned that the case in Peru might worry some cardinals and cause problems during the conclave.
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