Argentina: Survivors Demand Action as Pope Visits

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Argentina this week to a backdrop of fresh accusations and long-standing convictions against Catholic clergy. Survivors of sexual abuse and labor exploitation have asked the Vatican to remove the clerical status of priests who are serving criminal sentences. The visit, set for November 8 through 11, has split the community of victims. Some plan to meet the pope to share their stories, while a network of survivors opposes the trip, arguing the church has failed its promise of zero tolerance.

In Cordoba province, priest Alejandro Nicola faces allegations of sexually abusing children at a Catholic school kindergarten, mostly during 2025. More than a dozen families have filed complaints. Prosecutors are investigating the case, and the local church has opened a preliminary inquiry. Nicola was seen celebrating Mass at Cordoba's cathedral in July, which angered the families. The pope is expected to visit that cathedral during his stay. Florencia Navarro, whose daughter she says Nicola abused, told the pope she wants explanations because the church claims to protect the vulnerable. Fernanda Agüero, another accuser, said she hopes the pope's message is backed by concrete actions rather than just words.

Archbishop Angel Rossi of Cordoba invoked the priest's presumption of innocence when asked about the case. Nicola has not addressed the allegations publicly, telling journalists only that his lawyers will handle it. His defense team has not commented on the investigation.

In Buenos Aires, a group of 43 women alleges they were subjected to human trafficking and forced labor at Opus Dei centers. They hope to meet the pope during his visit. The allegations implicate senior members of the organization, including global leader Fernando Ocaiz. Prosecutors are investigating claims that the women were recruited as teenagers and forced to work 12 to 16 hours a day as unpaid domestic servants between the 1970s and 2015. Andrea Martinez, 52, said the women want a public apology and Vatican intervention. Rosana Vaccon said she was isolated from her family and never learned of her father's serious illness until later. Opus Dei authorities in Argentina have denied the allegations.

The Mendoza case involving the Antonio Provolto Institute remains one of the most notorious scandals. In September, a court sentenced former nun Kumiko Kosaka to 20 years in prison for abusing five deaf students. Two priests received lengthy sentences in 2019. Horacio Corbacho was sentenced to 45 years, and Nicola Corradi to 42 years. Corradi died while under house arrest. Survivors criticize the Vatican for not publicly announcing the outcome of canonical proceedings against Corbacho, which began in 2017. A Vatican-appointed judicial vicar had recommended that both priests be dismissed from the clergy.

Survivors' groups are also demanding the removal of clerical status from other high-profile convicted priests. Christian Von Wernich is serving a life sentence for his role in crimes during the military dictatorship. Julio Grassi is serving a 15-year sentence for sexually abusing a minor. Former Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta was sentenced to four and a half years in 2022 for abusing two seminarians. He was granted parole in 2025. The Vatican did not respond to a request for comment on the canonical status of these clergy. The Argentine dioceses responsible for their cases also did not respond.

The Vatican typically waits until criminal appeals are exhausted before initiating canonical trials to avoid prejudging outcomes. The organization recommends that bishops take precautionary measures, such as removing priests from active ministry, during investigations.