In a stunning development that has shaken the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has dissolved the Peru-based Sodalitium of Christian Life (SCV) after a Vatican investigation uncovered years of sexual, financial, and spiritual abuses by the influential conservative Catholic movement. The move marks one of the most significant actions yet by Francis to address abuse and misconduct within the Church.
Vatican Investigation Exposes “Sadistic” Abuses
The decision to suppress the SCV came after the Pope sent his two most trusted investigators, Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, to look into abuse allegations against the group dating back over two decades. Their inquiry revealed what they described as “sadistic” abuses of power and spirituality by SCV leadership, as well as financial mismanagement and even harassment of the group’s critics.
Accusations first surfaced publicly in 2015 with the publication of the book “Half Monks, Half Soldiers” by journalist Paola Ugaz and former SCV member Pedro Salinas, detailing abusive practices by founder Luis Figari and others. But both the local church in Peru and the Vatican were slow to take concrete action until the recent investigation.
From Influential Movement to Suppression
Founded in 1971, the SCV grew to become one of the most influential Catholic groups in Peru and across Latin America, with thousands of members. It was part of a wave of conservative lay movements that emerged in the region as a reaction against liberation theology.
But now, the Pope has determined the group is beyond reform. The suppression of a pontifically-recognized religious community is a significant move for any pope, and especially so for the first Jesuit pope given the history of the Jesuit order itself being suppressed in the 1700s.
“This is an extraordinary decision that will hopefully bring a long-awaited healing to victims and recognition of the serious harm caused.”
— Peruvian abuse survivor Pedro Salinas
Papal Commitment to Abuse Reforms
The move sends a strong signal of the Pope’s commitment to following through on Vatican investigations into abuse, even when it involves influential groups with strong connections to the hierarchy. It remains to be seen what will happen to the SCV’s assets, which victims believe should be used to compensate those harmed.
The suppression of the SCV is likely to be welcomed by abuse survivors and reform advocates who have long criticized the Vatican’s slow response to clergy abuse scandals worldwide. At the same time, it may anger some conservatives already wary of Pope Francis’ progressive reputation.
As the Catholic Church continues to grapple with its legacy of abuse and coverups, the dramatic step taken by Pope Francis in this case shows his willingness to take bold actions to address misconduct, even within some of the Church’s most prominent organizations. How this will impact the Church’s ongoing abuse crisis still remains to be seen.
