Vatican City: Pope Francis has officially dissolved the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a Catholic religious community with members spanning South America and the United States, following years of allegations involving sexual and psychological abuse by its founder and other members.
The decision, which underscores the Vatican’s zero-tolerance policy on abuse, is a rare move, as dissolving a religious community is an extraordinary step even in the face of scandal. The Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, based in Peru, acknowledged its dissolution in a statement on Monday, though it did not provide an explanation. The Vatican has yet to issue an official statement elaborating on the decision.
By contrast, previous popes have opted for internal reforms over dissolution. For example, Pope Benedict XVI restructured the Legionaries of Christ, a community plagued by similar scandals, rather than disbanding it.
Founded in Peru in 1971 by Luis Fernando Figari, the Sodalitium grew to include Catholic laymen and priests. It received recognition as an official Catholic religious community from Pope John Paul II in 1997. However, the group has faced intense scrutiny over the past decade, both from Peruvian prosecutors and the Vatican.
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A 2017 internal report commissioned by the group revealed that Figari, along with other high-ranking members, was involved in the abuse of at least 19 minors and 10 adults. In response, Pope Francis ordered a comprehensive investigation in 2023 by the Vatican’s top experts on sexual abuse. The investigation led to Figari’s expulsion from the group in 2024, although Figari has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
This dissolution highlights Pope Francis’ ongoing efforts to address sexual abuse within the Church, a priority throughout his 12-year papacy. Despite measures such as establishing the first papal commission on sexual abuse, survivor groups have raised concerns about the commission’s effectiveness. The dissolution of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, however, is seen as a bold step in demonstrating accountability within the Church.
