Decree signed in Rome: Controversial community is history

The controversial Catholic community "Sodalitium Christianae Vitae" (SVC) has been dissolved. A decree to this effect was signed in Rome on Monday, according to the community's website. The Pope has appointed an Apostolic Commissioner to oversee the dissolution of the group. The Vatican also reported on the dissolution on Monday via its publication organ "vaticannews.va".

In 2024, more than ten members were dismissed from the group at the Pope's behest, including the founder. The background to this were cases of abuse: In July and August 2023, a canonical investigation had brought to light serious abuse of power and sexualised violence within the community, which originated in Peru. Those involved are also accused of embezzling church property.

Request for forgiveness

"It is with sadness and obedience that we accept this decision, expressly authorised by Pope Francis, which marks the end of our society," the statement reads. "Our thoughts are also with the victims, to whom we once again express our sincere plea for forgiveness for the mistreatment and abuse in our community. We also ask the entire church and society for forgiveness for the suffering caused."

With around 20,000 male members, who, whether priests or not, live celibate lives and take vows, the "Sodalicio" was one of the medium-sized specialised communities in the Catholic Church. It was larger than most classical religious communities, but smaller and less widespread than Opus Dei or the Neocatechumenals, for example.

Recognised by John Paul II

The community was founded in 1971 in the Peruvian capital Lima. Within a few years, the group gained great influence in the Catholic Church as a counter-movement to liberation theology, which was perceived as politically left-wing. Pope John Paul II (1978-2005) officially recognised the organisation in 1997. The movement was held in high esteem in the Vatican at the time. It filled its seminaries and religious houses with young members, while the seminaries of other religious orders became increasingly empty. For a long time, the local church superiors did not follow up on reports of abuse.

According to media reports, the "Sodalicio", which also included a female branch, had considerable assets. It is still unclear whether these will be transferred to a successor organisation yet to be founded or whether they will be transferred to other church bodies. (KNA)