Pope Francis has recently decided to dissolve a prominent Catholic movement based in Peru, known as the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV). This significant action comes after years of efforts to reform the organization and an investigation that revealed serious issues, including sexual abuse by its founder and financial mismanagement by its leaders.
The group’s leaders confirmed the dissolution during an assembly in Aparecida, Brazil, where it was announced by Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, the Pope’s chief legal adviser. The SCV expressed disappointment over a leak about the decision, noting that two members who shared the information were expelled from the organization.
The Vatican has not provided comments regarding the situation, but the dissolution of a recognized religious movement is a considerable event in the Catholic Church, especially given the historical context of the Jesuit order, which faced suppression in the 1700s.
The SCV was established in 1971 as a response to the rise of liberation theology, which had a left-leaning influence in Latin America. At its peak, the organization boasted around 20,000 members spread across South America and the United States and held significant sway in Peru.
However, the group’s reputation has been marred by allegations dating back to 2000. In 2011, former members raised concerns about abuses committed by founder Luis Figari. Concrete action, however, only came after the publication of a book in 2015 that detailed these allegations, prompting a deeper investigation into the organization.
In 2017, a report commissioned by the SCV identified disturbing practices under Figari’s leadership, including sexual and psychological abuse of recruits. Following this, Pope Francis sent investigators to assess the situation, leading to the removal of Figari and several key members last year.
Pedro Salinas, a victim and outspoken critic, welcomed the Pope’s decision to dissolve the SCV, although he noted that the move was long overdue. He commended the investigators for their commitment to exposing the truth and acknowledged the Pope’s significant role in addressing the culture of impunity within the Church.
As for the Sodalitium’s assets, their future remains uncertain, with victims advocating that they be allocated for compensation for the harm they suffered. According to Church law, the Holy See has the authority to make decisions regarding the organization’s assets.
In this unfolding story, many hope the measures taken will help ensure accountability and healing for those affected.
