In a landmark decision, Pope Francis has dissolved the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, a prominent Catholic religious community based in South America. This move follows years of investigations into allegations of sexual and psychological abuse by the group’s founder, Luis Fernando Figari, and other senior members. The dissolution marks a rare step for the Vatican, emphasizing its commitment to addressing systemic abuse within the Church.

Founded in 1971 in Peru and officially recognized by Pope John Paul II in 1997, the Sodalitium grew to include around 20,000 members. However, its reputation was severely tarnished following allegations of abuse. A 2017 internal report revealed that Figari and other leaders had abused at least 19 minors and 10 adults. Despite the mounting evidence, Figari has consistently denied the accusations. The Pope’s decision to disband the organization reflects a shift toward greater accountability and a clear message of zero tolerance for abuse.

The dissolution comes after a 2023 Vatican-led investigation into the organization, culminating in Figari’s expulsion in 2024. The Vatican has not released additional details, but this action contrasts sharply with past decisions, such as the restructuring of the Legionaries of Christ under Pope Benedict XVI, despite similar scandals. By taking the unprecedented step of dissolving Sodalitium, Pope Francis demonstrates a commitment to decisive reform, even in the face of longstanding institutional challenges.

Despite this bold move, critics question why such drastic action took so long, given the well-documented abuses. Survivor groups and advocacy organizations welcome the dissolution but argue that systemic changes are still needed to prevent future misconduct. They call for enhanced oversight, greater transparency, and stronger protections for victims as essential steps for meaningful reform.

The dissolution of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae is a significant moment in the Catholic Church’s ongoing struggle to address abuse scandals. It signals a willingness to prioritize accountability over tradition and protect the integrity of its mission. While this decision is a step forward, it also underscores the need for continued vigilance to ensure justice for survivors and prevent further abuse. The Church’s future credibility hinges on its ability to learn from these failures and implement lasting reforms.