Pope Francis has made the unprecedented decision to expel 10 individuals, including a bishop, priests, and laypeople, from the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae in Peru. This action comes after a Vatican investigation revealed disturbing abuses of power, authority, and spirituality within the organization.
The founder of the Sodalitium, Luis Figari, was previously expelled by Pope Francis for engaging in reprehensible behavior, including sodomizing recruits. The recent expulsions were announced by the Peruvian Bishops Conference, citing a special decision by the Pope.
The Vatican investigation uncovered a range of abuses, such as physical violence, sect-like manipulation, spiritual abuse, economic misconduct, and misuse of journalism for malicious purposes. The report also highlighted instances of hacking communications and harassment of victims.
Figari established the Sodalitium in 1971 as a conservative response to liberation theology. The group, which once boasted 20,000 members across South America and the United States, wielded significant influence in Peru.
Victims of Figari's misconduct first came forward in 2011, with further revelations emerging in 2015 through a book exposing the group's dark practices. An external investigation labeled Figari as narcissistic, manipulative, and obsessed with control.
Despite previous inaction by the Holy See, the recent Vatican probe implicated other Sodalitium members, including Archbishop Jose Antonio Eguren, who was forced to resign earlier this year. The investigation was conducted by Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, who gathered testimonies from victims in Lima.
The expulsions have been welcomed by journalists who exposed the group's wrongdoings, including instances of hacking and financial impropriety. While the practical implications of these expulsions remain unclear, the Vatican's public denouncement signals a departure from its traditional secrecy in addressing internal scandals.
The Vatican statement emphasized the need for justice and reparation for the victims, urging the Sodalitium to embark on a path of accountability. This decisive action by Pope Francis underscores a commitment to upholding the values of the Catholic Church and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
