Pope Francis accepts the resignation of a Peruvian bishop accused of ignoring abuse
Associated PressFeb 09
Pope Dissolves Peruvian Catholic Group Over Abuse Scandal
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Above: Pope Francis during the Jubilee audience for journalists and communicators participating in the Jubilee of Communication in the Paul VI Audience hall. Vatican City, Jan. 25, 2025. Image copyright: Grzegorz Galazka/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
The Facts
Pope Francis accepted Tuesday the resignation of Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos, a bishop who faced fierce criticism for failing to prevent abuses committed by the Peruvian-based Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), during his twelve-year tenure as head of Peru's Bishops Conference.
The SCV movement was dissolved over multiple accusations, including allegations of widespread sexual abuse, financial mismanagement, and spiritual abuses.
Founded in 1971 as a conservative response to liberation theology, the SCV grew to a peak of approximately 20K members across South America and the United States, reportedly wielding significant influence, particularly in Peru.
The Spin
Narrative A
The Catholic Church has passed the buck for long enough. The dissolution of the SCV reflects an absolutely necessary step towards reform, but resignations by incompetent leaders can only do so much. Pope Francis must go further to secure true institutional responsibility.
Narrative B
It is not quite fair to lay failures or limitations in the response of the Catholic Church to heinous allegations like these all at the door of Pope Francis, who has driven forward an exceptionally progressive agenda during his tenure, but remains hemmed in by his requirement to keep the Church unified. Rather than risk schisms that could dilute the power of the Vatican over Catholic sects globally, Francis has held individuals and institutions to account while advancing real change.
