Pope Leo XIV and the Struggle Against Abuse in the Catholic Church
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has faced criticism while working to dismantle a powerful Catholic group notorious for abusing its members. This group has been accused of various forms of abuse, both physical and emotional. As scrutiny over Leo’s past handling of clergy abuse cases increases, survivors from this now-disgraced group are coming forward to support him.
These survivors recall how Bishop Robert Prevost, during his time in Peru starting in 2018, took their claims seriously. Unlike many who ignored them, he involved the Vatican to seek reparations for their suffering and facilitated an important meeting with Pope Francis in 2022 that initiated a Vatican investigation into the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, ultimately leading to its suppression.
Former member José Rey de Castro, who endured 18 years under Sodalitium’s control, expressed gratitude for Prevost’s willingness to listen. “It seems obvious for a priest, but that wasn’t the case in our situation,” he noted.
A Conservative Response to Liberation Theology
Founded in 1971 in Peru by Luis Fernando Figari, the Sodalitium aimed to recruit "soldiers for God," emerging as a conservative response to the left-leaning liberation theology movement of the 1960s. At its peak, the group had around 1,000 core members and significant influence, especially in Peru and the United States.
The initial whispers of Figari’s abusive practices began in 2000 and escalated when former members publicly exposed the group in 2015. Despite accusations filed as early as 2011, action from church leaders was slow, partly because the Sodalitium had received formal approval from the Vatican under St. John Paul II.
Prevost: A Voice for Victims
Unlike others, Prevost, appointed bishop of Chiclayo in 2014, actively sought to support Sodalitium victims. Many victims viewed him as a crucial link between them and the church, helping them navigate the trauma they had experienced. Rey de Castro reached out to Prevost for a solution when he was critical of a previous reparations effort that seemed inadequate.
Prevost’s advocacy included discussing the concerns of victims and arranging settlements when necessary. His commitment was recognized, notably when he helped journalists expose the group’s misdeeds.
A New Era for Accountability
In 2023, following a thorough Vatican investigation, the Sodalitium was dissolved, and its leaders faced consequences for their actions. The group acknowledged the mistreatment and abuse it had caused, marking a significant step towards accountability.
However, with the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, Prevost’s prior record is facing renewed examination. His handling of abuse allegations within his diocese will be scrutinized against the backdrop of the larger clergy abuse scandal that has deeply affected the Church’s reputation.
As voices calling for accountability grow louder, there are indications of backlash against Prevost from supporters of the Sodalitium, suggesting that the fight for justice for these victims is far from over.
Prevost’s journey in this complex landscape illustrates the ongoing struggle within the Church to confront the past and rebuild trust with its faithful. As he navigates these challenges, the hope for genuine reforms remains paramount for many within the Church and beyond.
