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The lay movement Sodalitium Christianae Vitae confirmed its suppression by Pope Francis following a leak by two of its members to a Catholic news outlet. The news was initially reported by Infovaticana, which published that the Holy Father had dissolved the society. The movement acknowledged the report's accuracy but noted several inaccuracies in the article.
Infovaticana's report stated that Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda announced the suppression during Sodalitium's General Assembly in Aparecida, Brazil, on January 18. Two members who leaked the information were expelled from the assembly after admitting their breach of confidentiality.
"We regret that the misconduct of these two members may have been used by the press to generate doubts about whether it was" Cardinal Ghirlanda who leaked the news," said Sodalitium.
The Vatican has not officially confirmed this decision, and sources contacted by OSV News did not respond for comment. This development follows a 2023 investigation resulting in numerous expulsions, including founder Luis Fernando Figari and journalist Alejandro Bermúdez.
Bermúdez responded to OSV News, affirming Pope Francis' authority but criticizing the process as flawed due to alleged biases by Msgr. Jordi Bertomeu Farnós. He stated, "It is deeply saddening, though not entirely surprising."
An investigation led by Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Msgr. Bertomeu began in July 2023 and included meetings with victims and journalists investigating Sodalitium. The findings are believed to have led to recent expulsions.
Pedro Salinas, a former member who experienced abuse within Sodalitium, expressed concerns about whether suppression would extend to related branches like the Christian Life Movement (CLM), Marian Community of Reconciliation, and Servants of the Plan of God.
Bermúdez clarified that suppression applies only to Sodalitium as a "lay society of apostolic life." He explained that other entities are being decided at diocesan levels or fall under different church jurisdictions.
Salinas warned against allowing branch groups to continue existing, suggesting they could perpetuate abuses associated with Sodalitium. Both he and journalist Paola Ugaz co-authored a book detailing abuses within the organization.
Following Archbishop Scicluna's investigation, Archbishop Jose Eguren Anselmi resigned amid pressure over lawsuits against Salinas and Ugaz. Pope Francis expelled him from Sodalitium last September.
Ugaz highlighted support from Pope Francis during her legal challenges with Sodalitium associates. She emphasized that both church and state failed in addressing complaints since 2000 but acknowledged efforts made under Pope Francis' leadership.
Founded in Peru in 1971, Sodalitium faced allegations of sexual abuse, violence, misappropriation of funds, and other crimes leading up to its current situation.
