In a shocking twist to an already disturbing case, a Chicago-based priest facing multiple allegations of child molestation has now made a bombshell claim against a former pope — Pope Leo XIII. The statement, which many have labeled as bizarre and desperate, has stirred intense backlash from the Catholic community and raised eyebrows around the world.

A Disturbing Case Takes an Unexpected Turn

Father Michael Renner, 58, was arrested in March following an investigation into accusations from at least four individuals who say they were abused during their time as altar boys at St. Augustine’s Parish between 2001 and 2012. The charges include aggravated criminal sexual abuse and indecent solicitation of a minor.

Renner has maintained his innocence since the charges were filed, but during a preliminary court hearing this week, he shocked the courtroom by making an unsolicited and seemingly unrelated claim: that he had been “acting under spiritual instructions passed down from the legacy of Pope Leo XIII.”

Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903, was known for his intellectual approach to Catholic doctrine and his emphasis on social justice. He is widely respected in Church history and credited with modernizing aspects of Catholic teaching. No credible allegations or controversies have ever been associated with him in relation to abuse.

“A Message Beyond Time”?

Renner’s bizarre statement came during his own testimony, where he suddenly deviated from questions about his conduct and launched into a surreal narrative. According to Renner, he had been “chosen” to continue a “spiritual practice” that allegedly began under Pope Leo XIII — an assertion that historians and Church scholars have universally dismissed as unfounded and historically inaccurate.

“There are truths the Vatican has never acknowledged,” Renner said before being interrupted by his attorney, who tried to steer the priest back to the facts of the case. “Pope Leo saw the future. He foresaw that certain ‘initiations’ would be necessary to protect the soul. I was merely following that ancient directive.”

The courtroom reportedly fell silent as those in attendance tried to comprehend what had just been said. The presiding judge called for a short recess, and Renner’s defense team refused to elaborate on the claim during a press briefing later that afternoon.

Legal Strategy or Delusion?

Experts in both criminal law and theology have reacted with disbelief. Many believe this latest outburst could be part of a legal strategy to mount an insanity defense, especially given the lack of coherence and historical accuracy in the priest’s claim.

“If this is a tactic, it’s incredibly risky,” said Evan Crandall, a Chicago-based criminal defense analyst. “Bringing up a pope from over a century ago in the context of modern criminal charges doesn’t just sound far-fetched — it may suggest that the defendant is not mentally competent to stand trial.”

Others believe the statement may simply be a desperate attempt to redirect attention and cast doubt on the overwhelming evidence piling up against Renner. Prosecutors have reportedly gathered testimony from multiple victims, as well as audio recordings and digital messages that allegedly tie Renner to years of abuse.

Catholic Church Responds

The Archdiocese of Chicago issued a swift and forceful statement following the priest’s remarks.

“Pope Leo XIII remains a figure of immense theological importance and integrity in the Church,” the statement read. “Any attempt to associate his legacy with the horrific crimes currently being investigated is deeply offensive, historically baseless, and morally repugnant.”

The Vatican has not issued a formal response but sources inside the Holy See indicate that they are monitoring the case and are “gravely concerned” about the public perception this trial may create.

Victims Speak Out

For the alleged victims, the latest development is more insult added to injury. One of them, now 28 years old, told reporters that Renner’s bizarre claim only confirmed what he had always feared — that the priest lived in “his own twisted world.”

“He wants to drag the Church and even dead popes into this to avoid facing what he did to us,” the victim said. “He’s trying to hide behind a lie that no one believes.”

Another survivor described the experience of watching Renner speak in court as “surreal and infuriating.”

What’s Next?

Renner is scheduled for a competency hearing next month, during which the court will determine whether he is fit to stand trial. His legal team has not confirmed whether they will pursue an insanity plea, but sources close to the case say mental health evaluations are already underway.

As the Church continues to grapple with ongoing revelations of abuse and cover-ups, this case stands out not only for the horror of the allegations but for the bizarre and unprecedented nature of the defense.

One thing remains clear: the victims, and the public, deserve truth — not a myth wrapped in clerical robes.