Pope Francis has expelled 10 individuals, including a bishop, priests, and laypeople, from the Catholic group Sodalitium of Christian Life in Peru after a Vatican investigation uncovered severe abuses.

Led by Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the investigation revealed “sadistic” abuses of power, authority, and spirituality. The expulsions follow the pope’s earlier decision to remove the group’s founder, Luis Figari, who was found guilty of sodomizing recruits.

A statement by the Peruvian Bishops Conference confirmed the expulsions, citing a special decision by the pope. Investigators uncovered physical abuse involving violence and sadism, as well as spiritual, economic, and journalistic abuses.

A 2017 independent investigation had previously described Figari as manipulative, narcissistic, and obsessed with the sexual orientation of his members. It also detailed how he forced recruits to perform sexual acts, deriving pleasure from their pain and humiliation.

The Vatican’s rare transparency in revealing these findings contrasts with its usual secrecy.

While the practical enforcement of the expulsions remains unclear, the public nature of the decision signals Pope Francis’ willingness to take an unconventional approach to church law and send a strong message regarding such abuses within the church.

#MaltaDaily