Cardinals Angelo De Luca (left) and Miguel Ortega (right), seen at recent Vatican events, are under scrutiny as allegations of mishandled abuse cases surface amid growing anticipation of the next papal conclave.
Vatican City, May 4, 2025 — The race to succeed Pope Francis has been jolted by controversy as two prominent papal contenders — Cardinal Angelo De Luca of Italy and Cardinal Miguel Ortega of Argentina — face mounting accusations of mishandling clerical abuse cases during their tenures as archbishops.
The revelations, emerging just weeks before the expected conclave, have sent shockwaves through the Catholic world and reignited calls for greater transparency and accountability in the Church's highest ranks.
A Crisis Revisited
Cardinal De Luca, long considered a conservative favorite among European clergy, is under fire after leaked diocesan documents revealed he delayed disciplinary action against at least three priests accused of abuse in Milan between 2006 and 2013. One of the accused was later reassigned to a youth parish.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Ortega, known for his progressive theological stance and close ties to Latin American grassroots movements, is accused by victim advocacy groups of failing to report abuse allegations to civil authorities while serving as Archbishop of Córdoba.
Both cardinals have denied intentional wrongdoing, with De Luca stating his actions were "based on the legal and pastoral norms of the time," and Ortega affirming that "no victim was ignored or dismissed."
Global Catholic Reaction
Survivor advocacy groups such as SNAP and Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA) have condemned the Vatican’s historical silence, demanding that the College of Cardinals implement an immediate vetting process for all potential papal candidates.
“The Church cannot afford another papacy that comes tainted by secrecy and inaction,” said Anne Barrett Doyle of BishopAccountability.org.
Faithful across the globe are expressing frustration and sorrow. Masses in parts of Germany and Ireland held special prayers for victims of abuse, while some Catholic commentators are urging the conclave to look beyond traditional favorites.
The Vatican Responds
In a brief statement, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the Holy See “is reviewing all matters brought to its attention” and reaffirmed its “zero tolerance” policy. However, no official disciplinary measures have been taken against either cardinal so far.
With Pope Francis’s health in decline and the date of the next conclave yet unannounced, the Church faces the challenge of choosing a new leader under a darkening cloud.
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