In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a judge ruled that 20 cloistered nuns had suffered abuse by high-ranking clergy over more than two decades. The accused archbishop and church officials were ordered to undergo psychological treatment and training in gender discrimination. This ruling shed light on the long-standing issue of abuse of nuns by priests and bishops in the Catholic Church, a problem that has been increasingly recognized in the wake of the #MeToo movement and the corresponding #NunsToo movement. The nuns’ lawyer hailed the verdict as unprecedented in Argentina, highlighting the importance of addressing the deep problem of gender discrimination within the church.
The four accused clergy members denied committing any violence, while the archbishop’s lawyer promised to appeal the ruling. Despite this, the archbishop agreed to undergo treatment and anti-discrimination training through a local NGO. The nuns from the Discalced Carmelites order at San Bernardo Monastery in Salta brought their case forward, citing verbal insults, threats, humiliation, and physical assaults, but not sexual abuse. The judge described these actions as part of a pattern of physical and psychological gender violence perpetuated by the church’s strict hierarchy and culture of silence.
Several prominent cases of abuse involving nuns, laywomen, and consecrated women have emerged in recent years, with complaints largely ignored by the Vatican and male hierarchies within the Church. This lack of action prompted the nuns in Salta to seek justice through the secular court system. This mirrors the response of victims of clergy abuse of minors who turned to the courts when church authorities failed to address their complaints. The ruling in Argentina reflects a growing trend of demanding accountability and justice for victims of abuse in religious settings.
The nuns accused Archbishop Mario Cargnello of grabbing, slapping, shaking, and humiliating them. One nun was silenced by having her lips squeezed, while another was pinned to the ground by Cargnello. The nuns also alleged that Cargnello borrowed money from them without repaying it. The judge concluded that these actions were part of a larger pattern of physical and psychological gender violence perpetuated by the church. This case has sent shockwaves through conservative Salta and highlighted the need to address and prevent abuse within the Catholic Church.
The ruling in Argentina showcases a shift towards holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions, even within the hierarchies of religious institutions. The nuns’ bravery in coming forward and seeking justice through the judicial system underscores the importance of addressing gender discrimination and abuse within the Church. This case has shed light on a longstanding issue of abuse of nuns by clergy and has sparked conversations about promoting accountability, prevention, and support for victims of abuse in religious settings. The verdict in Argentina serves as a beacon of hope for victims of abuse seeking justice and recognition of their experiences.
