2024-03-10 22:59:12
The Civil Chamber of the Superior Court of Bogotá, through a ruling, determined that the Catholic Church must carry out an act of public apology towards two brothers. These were victims of sexual, physical and psychological abuse by a priest who was a member of the congregation Children of the Holy Family Jesus, Mary and Joseph. This cleric, with direct connections to the Military Bishopric of Colombia, abused his position and trust to perpetrate his crimes. However, the Church has refused to comply with this judicial decision, highlighting the tension between justice and religious institutions.
The abuse was carried out by the man who held the position of rector, taking advantage of the vulnerability of the victims. Not content with abusing them, he also subjected them to psychological violence to ensure their silence, the investigation indicates.
After years of legal struggle, the brothers managed to set a precedent regarding the treatment of cases of abuse within the Church. The decision stands out for being the first time that an institution like the Catholic Church has been forced to publicly acknowledge its errors.
According to a national media outlet, the case was especially relevant because it marked a turning point in how the Catholic Church is held responsible for acts of pedophilia. The Constitutional Court of Colombia has established clear parameters to avoid the re-victimization of complainants, prohibiting the disclosure of details that could identify the victims. The Civil Chamber of the Superior Court of Bogotá, following these guidelines, has carefully handled the information about the case, ensuring the anonymity of those affected.
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Therefore, the Superior Court ruled that the Bishopric of Colombia and the Religious Congregation of the Sons of the Holy Family Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Known for having offices in numerous Latin American countries, they must adopt reparative measures towards two victims of abuse by a priest. This second instance ruling requires administrative and symbolic actions to amend the damage caused to the complainants, who suffered abuse in their childhood. The brothers were victims in different places in the country, in Carepa, Antioquia, and in the military headquarters of Tolemaida, Cundinamarca.
The judicial resolution orders a public recognition of the damage to the trust placed in the religious institution by believers.
“This ruling represents a recognition of the feelings and wishes of the victims,” the Court noted, highlighting the importance of offering victims support.
The plaintiffs faced multiple challenges, including acts of revictimization by the counterparty. Which attempted to prolong the process through annulments, reparations, and challenges, as documented in a complaint before the Judicial Discipline Commission.
The priest involved, who had gained the trust of the victims’ families, abused the brothers at different times. The Superior Court ruling corrects this “gross error,” marking a before and after in how the Colombian justice system approaches these cases.
Finally, the investigation indicates that the Military Bishopric of Colombia, together with the Religious Congregation involved, have expressed their decision not to abide by a judicial ruling that was adverse to them. Although the decision has already been notified, both entities maintain that there is still an extraordinary instance before the Supreme Court of Justice. Which has opened the possibility that the matter reaches Pope Francis’ office in the Vatican for review.
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