Cardinal Cipriani Denies Sexual Abuse Allegations, Disputes Vatican Sanctions
ROME (OSV News) — Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani, the first cardinal from Opus Dei, has vehemently denied accusations of sexual abuse leveled against him in a report published by the Spanish newspaper El País. The cardinal released a statement on January 25th, categorically refuting the claims of abuse dating back to 1983, asserting that he has never committed such crimes. The allegations, made by an individual who claims to have been abused as a minor, triggered a swift response from the cardinal and ignited a controversy surrounding Vatican sanctions imposed on him.
The Vatican’s spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, confirmed on January 26th that disciplinary measures against Cardinal Cipriani remain in effect, pertaining to his public activities, residence, and use of religious insignia. While acknowledging that the cardinal has been granted occasional exemptions due to his age and family circumstances, Bruni stressed the ongoing nature of the sanctions. The nature of these sanctions and the specific allegations leading to them remain shrouded in ambiguity, raising questions about the transparency of the process.
Cardinal Cipriani stated that he was informed of a complaint against him in 2018 but was never provided with a copy of the complaint letter. Subsequently, in 2019, he was verbally informed by the Apostolic Nuncio about sanctions imposed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, restricting his ministry and requiring him to reside outside Peru. He was also asked to remain silent on the matter. The cardinal claims that Pope Francis personally lifted these sanctions in 2020, allowing him to resume his pastoral and administrative duties. However, the Vatican’s statement contradicts this assertion, further muddying the waters surrounding the case.
The allegations against Cardinal Cipriani arrived shortly after the suppression of Sodalitium Christiane Vitae, a Peruvian Catholic organization, by Pope Francis. The cardinal, as archbishop of Lima during the emergence of initial accusations against Sodalitium, had publicly called for its founder, Luis Fernando Figari, to face the allegations. The Sodalitium case, marked by numerous accusations of abuse and financial impropriety, has underscored concerns about accountability and transparency within the Church. The Vatican’s investigation into Sodalitium, led by Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Msgr. Jordi Bertomeu, culminated in Figari’s expulsion from the group in 2024. The timing of the allegations against Cardinal Cipriani, coupled with his previous involvement with Sodalitium, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The Opus Dei vicar in Peru, Father Ángel Gómez-Hortigüela, acknowledged that the alleged victim approached him in 2018 but stated that he lacked the authority to initiate an investigation due to the cardinal’s status as a bishop. He expressed regret for not offering a more compassionate response at the time, attributing it to the evolving understanding of handling such situations within the Church. Father Gómez-Hortigüela emphasized the strengthened protocols now in place within Opus Dei to address abuse allegations. He also maintained that there are no records of any formal process against Cardinal Cipriani during his time as a priest incardinated in Opus Dei.
Cardinal Cipriani, in his statement, expressed his distress at the publication of what he believes to be confidential information from the Holy See. He reiterated his commitment to the Church’s fight against abuse and his unwavering innocence. He also stated he bears no grudge against his accuser and prays for him and all victims of clerical abuse. The clashing narratives, the ambiguous nature of the Vatican sanctions, and the backdrop of the Sodalitium scandal create a complex and troubling picture. The unfolding of this story will undoubtedly have significant repercussions for the Church in Peru and beyond, highlighting the ongoing challenges of addressing abuse allegations and ensuring accountability. The conflicting statements between the cardinal and the Vatican underscore the need for clarity and transparency in these sensitive matters. The future will reveal whether a formal investigation into the allegations against Cardinal Cipriani will be conducted and how the Church will navigate this sensitive and complex situation.