The Disturbing Influence of Child Abuser Cardinal Roger Mahony in Conclave Lobbying

As the papal conclave begins, one of the Church’s most disgraced cardinals resurfaces to try to shape its future.

Cardinals entering to Conclave should be aware of these disturbing facts about Mahony’s criminal record.

By: JP Norris

As the Catholic Church prepares for the papal conclave set to begin on May 7 (May 6 EST), reports have emerged that Cardinal Roger Mahony—long associated with scandal and cover-ups in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles—is actively working behind the scenes to influence the outcome of the next papal election. Mahony, despite his disgraceful legacy, is lobbying fellow cardinals in Rome during the pre-conclave meetings now underway at the Vatican. His goal? To secure the election of a progressive, liberal pope who will continue advancing the Church’s shift toward a pro-LGBT, permissive agenda—and perhaps more disturbingly, to ensure continued protection for clergy accused of abuse.

Mahony’s efforts mirror those of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick in 2013, who vocally promoted Jorge Bergoglio (Pope Francis) prior to the conclave. McCarrick, later defrocked for his own history of abuse, was central in swaying the vote. Now, Mahony seems to be taking on the same role, lobbying particularly the more vulnerable cardinals and those with questionable pasts—such as Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi Petroli—both of whom have had their own names associated with abuse cover-ups or clerical mismanagement.

That Cardinal Mahony is being allowed to take part in such high-level deliberations is deeply troubling. Under his leadership in Los Angeles, the Archdiocese systematically concealed more than 2,500 cases of sexual abuse in the past 15 years. The institutional response included deploying public relations teams, retaining ex-FBI agents, and hiring top-tier legal defense to suppress lawsuits, silence victims, and shield abusers. But perhaps most shocking is that Mahony himself has been credibly accused of abusing over 21 children.

Cardinal Roger Mahony is not just a figure of controversy—he is named directly as the abuser in 21 separate cases that were deliberately buried within a massive $880 million settlement approved by the Los Angeles Archdiocese. These are not rumors. These are legally documented, certified claims, joined in Los Angeles Superior Court under case number JCCP5101.

This joint case involved over 1,400 survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Among them were 21 victims who specifically identified Mahony himself as the perpetrator. Rather than allow these cases to go to trial—where Mahony could be forced to testify under oath—the Archdiocese chose to settle. It was a strategic legal maneuver, not an act of justice. By folding these explosive allegations into the broader settlement, the Church avoided public scrutiny, dodged cross-examination, and ensured Mahony never had to face his accusers in court.

The court certified these claims as true and accurate, yet Mahony remains free and active in Church politics, even influencing the future of the papacy.

This was not just a payout—it was a cover-up of devastating proportions. The Archdiocese’s decision sent a clear and chilling message: bury the truth, protect the hierarchy, and silence the victims.

Mahony’s refusal to defend himself in court, combined with the Archdiocese’s quiet settlement of the claims, strongly suggests culpability. The total cost of abuse payouts in Los Angeles has now surpassed $1.5 billion, yet the human toll—thousands of victims and their shattered lives—remains the Church’s deepest wound.

It is beyond comprehension that a cardinal with such a legacy is now seeking to help choose the next pope. His influence undermines both the integrity of the conclave and the healing process that countless survivors so desperately need. Cardinals attending this conclave must ignore Mahony’s manipulations and instead discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance alone.

Furthermore, the presence of cardinals credibly accused of abuse or cover-ups, such as Tagle and Petroli, poses a moral and spiritual danger to the Church’s future. These individuals should not be voting in conclave—they should be removed, excommunicated, and criminally prosecuted.

If the Church is ever to regain credibility, it must sever ties with figures like Mahony. No conclave should be tainted by political lobbying from known enablers and abusers. The faithful deserve a Church led by shepherds, not predators. The survivors deserve justice, not backroom deals.

The time for accountability is now.