Archdiocese of Denver Reacts to Deportation of 10 Members of Christian Life Alliance| National Catholic Register

In a separate statement, the Archdiocese of Denver, where the Sodality community is located, expressed shock at the news of the deportations, which it said were ‘based on accusations that occurred decades ago in South America.’

The Peruvian Episcopal Conference announced on September 25 that Pope Francis had ordered the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (Sodalitium Christianae Vitae) to deport 10 of its members. The measure raised eyebrows in the Archdiocese of Denver, which has pastoral ties to many of the sanctioned individuals.

Peru’s bishops published a post on their website. Press release The country’s Apostolic See stated that the Pope, who was sent to Lima in July 2023, approved the deportation of 10 members of the organization “after considering the defenses regarding the allegations that arose during the special mission.”

The expelled members were Eduardo Antonio Regal Villa, Sodality’s former superior general; Honorary Archbishop of Piura José Antonio Eguren Anselmi; former district superiors, as well as Father Rafael Alberto Ismodes Cascón and Father Erwin Augusto Scheuch Pool; former trainers Humberto Carlos Del Castillo Drago, Oscar Adolfo Tokomura and Father Daniel Alfonso Cardó Soria.

Other former anonymous members expelled include Ricardo Adolfo Trenemann Young and Miguel Arturo Salazar Steiger; and until December 2022, journalist Alejandro Bermúdez Rosell, who has been director of ACI Prensa and ACI Group, news agencies owned by EWTN News since 2014.

In the announcement made by the Holy See, it is stated that “in taking such a disciplinary decision, the scandal created by the number and severity of violations reported by the victims was taken into account, especially contrary to the balanced and liberating experiences of Evangelical counselors.” context of religious apostolate.”

The text mentions various types of abuse, including physical and moral abuse, abuse of conscience, and abuse of authority in the administration of religious entities and the exercise of journalistic apostolate. Details of the accusations against any of the expelled members were not included.

The press release also states: “Pope Francis, together with the bishops of Peru and the sites of the Fellowship of the Christian Life, grieve what has happened, ask for forgiveness from the victims, and sympathize with their suffering. “Likewise, they implore this Society of Apostolic Life to initiate the path of justice and compensation.”

Surprise in the Archdiocese of Denver

Separately expressionThe Archdiocese of Denver, which has a Sodality community, expressed shock at the news of the deportations, which it said were “based on accusations that occurred decades ago in South America.”

“While the archdiocese is actively working to understand the full extent of the Vatican’s investigation, we are unable to comment on specifics. “This news is not consistent with our longstanding experience regarding men serving in the Archdiocese of Denver.”

In the text, the Archdiocese stated: “Among those living here, Father Daniel Cardó served nobly and faithfully in Colorado for 17 years. Father Cardó did not face a single disciplinary action against him during his time here. “He is loved by those around him and respected in society.”

“The once-dying Holy Name congregation in Sheridan is now thriving because of its devotion to the Lord and those it serves. “The once moribund Holy Name congregation in Sheridan now thrives because of its devotion to the Lord and those it serves.”

Moreover, the archdiocese, led by Archbishop Samuel Aquila, states that “similarly, Eduardo Regal and Alejandro Bermúdez served faithfully and with distinction in the Archdiocese of Denver, and the findings against them are extremely disappointing, to say the least.”

Sodalite Case

Sodality of the Christian Life (SCV for its Latin acronym) was founded in Peru in 1971 by Luis Fernando Figari, who was accused of sexual abuse. was fired He was separated from the organization by the Pope on August 14, 2024, following the special mission report led by Archbishop Scicluna and Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu.

Sodality had been facing public accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power since 2015, following the publication of the book. Half Monks, Half Soldiers By Peruvian journalists Pedro Salinas and Paola Ugaz.

In May 2016, the Vatican appointed Cardinal Joseph Tobin, then Archbishop of Indianapolis, as delegate to the SCV. Among other duties, it was to assist the general government in decisions to be taken “concerning the accusations brought against the founder.”

In February 2017, SCV report about cases of abuse committed within the institution, following an investigation by international experts who identified Figari, Germán Doig (general vicar who died in 2001), and former members Virgilio Levaggi and Jeffrey Daniels as the alleged attackers.

On January 10, 2018, the Vatican appointed Monsignor Noel Londoño, Bishop of Jericó (Colombia), as apostolic commissioner and Fray Guillermo Rodríguez as deputy commissioner. Both investigated the state of the SCV and presented Pope Francis with a set of reforms, which were approved by the Pope on December 13, 2018.

In January 2019, reported He said the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (today the Dicastery) has elected Sodality member José David Correa as its new superior general for a six-year term.

Open 30 October 2021Correa met with Pope Francis and informed the Holy Father about the changes being made for the “comprehensive renewal” of the community.

At this meeting, Correa briefed the Pope on “the process of listening to, caring for, and compensating the victims,” ​​actions taken to prevent abuses, and “the state of the current legal processes in Peru.”

On December 1, 2023, Pope Francis again received José David Correa within the framework of the General Assembly of Superiors held in Rome.

At the time, Sodality stated that its superior general updated the Pope on the reality of the community of apostolic life and “addressed various aspects connected with the life and apostolic mission of our community.”

On August 14, 2024, after learning of Figari’s request for deportation from the Vatican by the SCV in 2019, the apostolic life community published a publication. expression Here he reiterated his commitment to renewal, his plea for forgiveness and his solidarity with the victims.