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Peruvian Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani has denied allegations of abuse reported by the Spanish daily El País, calling them "completely false." He acknowledged past sanctions from the Vatican but stated they were lifted by Pope Francis.
However, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni clarified that disciplinary measures are still in place regarding the cardinal's "public activity, place of residence and use of insignia." Bruni added that certain permits had been granted due to Cipriani's age and family situation.
The allegations against Cardinal Cipriani date back to 1983, involving an alleged victim who claims abuse occurred when he was a teenager. In response, Cardinal Cipriani said, “I have never committed any crime, nor have I sexually abused anyone.”
Cipriani noted he was informed of a complaint in August 2018 but did not receive details or participate in a formal process. By December 2019, he was verbally informed by the Apostolic Nuncio about penalties imposed on him without prior hearings.
Bruni did not confirm whether a canonical process took place or if Cipriani was questioned.
Founded in 1928 by St. Josemaría Escrivá, Opus Dei is known for promoting holiness through ordinary life and is recognized as a personal prelature since 1982. As of 2023, it had approximately 93,784 members.
In February 2020, Cardinal Cipriani claimed Pope Francis allowed him to resume his duties following a meeting with him.
Father Ángel Gómez-Hortigüela, Opus Dei vicar in Peru, acknowledged meeting with the alleged victim in 2018 but lacked authority to investigate further as Cipriani had become a bishop under Vatican jurisdiction. Father Gómez-Hortigüela expressed regret over not handling the situation more compassionately at the time.
Recent allegations emerged shortly after news of Pope Francis suppressing Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. While accusations against Sodalitium surfaced during Cipriani's tenure as Archbishop of Lima, he previously stated its founder should address such claims publicly.
Sodalitium faced numerous accusations over various abuses leading to investigations by Vatican officials including Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Msgr. Jordi Bertomeu. Its founder Luis Fernando Figari was expelled in August 2024 following these inquiries.
Pope Francis recently met José Enrique Escardó who first reported abuse within Sodalitium years ago.
Cardinal Cipriani expressed concern over incomplete information being published from reserved documentation and reiterated his commitment against sexual abuse while maintaining his innocence. Despite distress caused by these events, he expressed no ill will towards his accuser and offered prayers for all victims of clerical abuse.
Paulina Guzik contributed to this report for OSV News.
