Pope Leo XIV Faces Scrutiny Over Argentine Clergy Abuse Cases

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Argentina on Nov. 8 for a four-day tour that intersects with ongoing legal and canonical disputes involving Catholic clergy. Survivors of abuse have used the occasion to press the Vatican for firmer disciplinary action against priests who have already been convicted in secular courts. The visit, scheduled to run through Nov. 11, has divided the community of abuse survivors, with some hoping for direct dialogue and others criticizing the institution for its perceived inaction.

In Córdoba province, Leo plans to visit the cathedral where priest Alejandro Nicola continues to celebrate Mass. Nicola faces allegations of sexually abusing children at a Catholic school kindergarten, primarily during 2025. More than a dozen families have filed complaints, and prosecutors are currently investigating the matter. Florencia Navarro, whose daughter is among those alleged to have been abused, asked the pope to explain how the church protects the vulnerable while its clergy remain active. Her companion in the complaints, Fernanda Agüero, urged that the pope’s words be followed by concrete actions rather than mere statements.

The visit also intersects with a major investigation into Opus Dei, a conservative Catholic organization. Forty-three women allege they were subjected to human trafficking and forced labor at Opus Dei centers in Argentina between the 1970s and 2015. The allegations implicate senior figures, including global leader Fernando Ocáriz and former vicars. Prosecutors are investigating claims that the women were recruited as teenagers and worked long hours without pay. Their lawyer, Sebastián Sal, has requested a meeting with the pope and wants Ocáriz formally charged.

Historical cases continue to weigh on the institution’s reputation. In Mendoza, survivors of abuse at the Antonio Próvolo Institute are frustrated that the Vatican has not publicly announced the outcome of canonical proceedings against former priest Horacio Corbacho. Corbacho was sentenced to 45 years in prison in 2019 for abusing deaf children. Similarly, survivors are demanding the removal of clerical status from other high-profile convicts, including former Bishop Gustavo Zanchetta, who was granted parole in 2025 after serving time for abusing two seminarians.

The Vatican has not responded to requests for comment regarding the canonical status of these convicted clergy. Argentine dioceses responsible for overseeing the cases also remained silent. The Vatican typically waits until criminal appeals are exhausted before initiating canonical trials, a practice critics argue delays accountability. The pope is expected to hold a public audience in Buenos Aires, where groups of survivors plan to present their demands for a public apology and stricter oversight.

Local church officials have defended their handling of specific cases. Archbishop Ángel Rossi of Córdoba invoked the presumption of innocence when discussing Nicola, who has not publicly addressed the allegations. Opus Dei authorities in Argentina have categorically denied the trafficking claims, which carry potential prison sentences for those found guilty. The next phase of the trip involves meetings with local bishops and a public Mass in Buenos Aires.