Bolivian authorities have initiated an investigation into the actions of 35 members of the Catholic Church following allegations of sexual abuse made by more than a dozen victims, according to officials on Tuesday.
According to the Times of India, this development follows the shocking revelations of abuse found in the personal diary of a Spanish priest who served in Bolivia until his death in 2009, spanning several decades.
Daniela Caceres, a department head at the Bolivian attorney general’s office, stated during a press conference that “35 individuals are currently under investigation and facing accusations.” She also emphasized the protection and respect for the victims, refraining from disclosing specific details.
The investigation was launched in response to a report published by the Spanish daily El Pais in April, which exposed the diary of the late Spanish priest, Alfonso Pedrajas. The diary indicated that he had sexually abused over 80 minors during his time in Bolivia since the early 1970s. Pedrajas further revealed that senior clergy members were aware of his crimes but remained silent.
Prosecutors have confirmed that they received a copy of Pedrajas’ diary from the Society of Jesus in Bolivia. However, Caceres noted that the diary is incomplete, with missing pages and passages that have been crossed out or erased. Bolivian authorities are determined to obtain the complete document or seek cooperation from Spanish prosecutors.
In a letter made public by Bolivian President Luis Arce in mid-June, Pope Francis expressed his “shame and dismay” regarding the sexual abuse committed by these clergy members and promised to uncover the truth.
Arce’s government has engaged in discussions with the Vatican to strengthen controls and prevent priests with a history of sexual offenses from entering the country.
Additionally, the Catholic Church has established four commissions to receive and process complaints related to these incidents.
Source: SaharaReporters
