The recent article in El País has put Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani at the center of the controversy, who was removed from his position in 2019 by the Holy See. In the text, he is linked to accusations of sexual abuse in 1983, but the cardinal has responded by flatly denying the facts through a public letter. In addition, Opus Dei issued a press release highlighting the importance of the presumption of innocence and respect for the people involved.
- The accusations against Cipriani:
The El País article reports that the accusations of abuse originated in a letter sent to the Vatican in 2018. According to the outlet, this accusation caused Cipriani to be removed from his priestly ministry, ordered to reside outside Peru, and to remain silent. El País includes testimonies from alleged victims, in addition to pointing out a lack of clarity in the actions of the Holy See. - The Cardinal’s position:
In his Letter D. Juan Luis Cipriani 25 January 25, Cipriani emphatically denies the accusations, calling them “completely false.” According to his version, he was not allowed to defend himself or learn the details of the complaint, and his ministry was restricted without a formal process. Despite these restrictions, Cipriani claims to have maintained an active pastoral activity and stresses that he has never committed any crime. - Vicar of Opus Dei in Peru:
Angel Gomez-Hortigüela, vicar of Opus Dei in Peru, in an official statement, reaffirmed the importance of respecting the presumption of innocence and fair trial for all those involved. According to the statement published on its official website, “the prelature is in contact with the competent ecclesiastical authorities to clarify the facts and ensure that action is taken in accordance with truth and justice.” Opus Dei also distanced itself from legal or civil actions, ensuring that these should be handled by the competent authorities, and stressed that it will continue to cooperate with the Holy See in all necessary matters. - The ecclesial context:
This case reflects the efforts of the Catholic Church to deal with allegations of abuse within it. Under the pontificates of Benedict XVI and Francis, stricter norms have been established to prevent and act on these cases. However, the Cipriani case raises questions about the presumption of innocence and the internal procedures of the Holy See. - Public reaction:
The publication of the article has generated divided opinions. On the one hand, there are those who demand greater clarity and justice for the alleged victims, while others question El País‘ approach and the media’s treatment of cases that have not yet been fully clarified.
The case of Cardinal Cipriani illustrates the complexity of dealing with serious allegations within the Catholic Church. While the cardinal has declared his innocence and rejected the accusations, the Opus Dei statement underlines the importance of acting with justice and transparency. This debate highlights the need for clear and fair procedures that respect the rights of both the alleged victims and the accused.
