
Pope Francis dissolves controversial Catholic group amid abuse scandal, signaling a shift in Church reform efforts.
At a Glance
- Pope Francis has dissolved the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a Catholic group tainted by abuse allegations
- The group’s founder and others were accused of abusing at least 19 minors and 10 adults
- This rare dissolution highlights Pope Francis’s commitment to addressing sexual abuse in the Church
- The decision follows years of investigations by both Peruvian prosecutors and the Vatican
Pope Takes Decisive Action Against Scandal-Ridden Group
Pope Francis has dissolved the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a Catholic religious community based in Peru – and for many, the decision has come far too late.
This decision comes after years of investigations into allegations of sexual and psychological abuse by the group’s founder, Luis Fernando Figari, and other high-ranking members.
The Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, once boasting a membership of around 20,000 across South America and the United States, had been under scrutiny for some time. The dissolution marks a significant step in Pope Francis’s efforts to address the grave issue of sexual abuse within Catholic institutions.
The severity of the allegations against the group cannot be understated. According to reports, at least 19 minors and 10 adults were victims of abuse at the hands of Figari and other members. These shocking revelations led to extensive investigations by both Peruvian prosecutors and the Vatican.
In 2024, Figari was expelled from the group following a Vatican investigation. However, he continues to deny any wrongdoing. The dissolution of an entire Catholic religious community by the Pope is a rare occurrence, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Pope Francis’s Ongoing Reform Efforts
This latest action is part of Pope Francis’s broader agenda to combat sexual abuse within the Church. Throughout his 11-year papacy, the Pope has prioritized addressing this issue, although results have been mixed. The dissolution of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae represents a concrete step in this ongoing process.
However, recent events have raised questions about the pace and extent of reform within the Catholic Church. A Vatican summit, prepared over four years, concluded without major reforms, particularly in expanding roles for women in the Church. This has led to disappointment among some Catholics who had hoped for more significant changes.
While Pope Francis has shown openness to engaging in difficult conversations within the Church, progress on divisive issues has been slow. The recent Vatican summit’s final document called for more leadership roles for women but stopped short of advocating for their ordination as clergy. Additionally, the document did not directly address the LGBTQ community, leading to criticism from LGBTQ Catholic groups.
Despite these challenges, Pope Francis has dismissed speculation about his potential resignation due to health issues and age. With no major summits or foreign trips scheduled for this year, the focus remains on the ongoing reform process, including the work of ten study groups tasked with continuing discussions on divisive issues.