The Peruvian Episcopal Conference has announced that Monsignor Antonio Santarsiero Rosa is stepping down from his position as secretary general following allegations of sexual abuse and psychological mistreatment.
The controversy centers on a formal legal notice dated March 26, 2026, which was delivered to the Apostolic Nunciature in Lima shortly after its drafting. This document, which serves as the basis for the accusations, has been forwarded to Vatican authorities, including the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the apostolic nuncio in Peru. The case underscores the ongoing challenges the Catholic Church faces in handling internal misconduct and protecting vulnerable members of its community.
The evidence presented in the complaint includes two primary testimonies. One comes from a lay male who alleges that the abuse began while he was a minor attending the minor seminary of the Diocese of Huacho, claiming the misconduct persisted for several years. A second account was provided by a priest, identified as Father B., who worked closely with the bishop during the early years of his episcopate; this testimony alleges instances of psychological manipulation and other inappropriate behavior within their professional environment.
Both accusers have requested anonymity, citing a fear of potential retaliation from within the church hierarchy. While some of these allegations were reportedly communicated to church authorities in previous years, no official canonical investigation had been publicly announced by Rome prior to the recent developments.
Monsignor Santarsiero Rosa, who also serves as the bishop of Huacho, has denied the accusations. Despite the denial, the Peruvian Episcopal Conference confirmed his departure from the secretary general role via an official statement.
The situation has sparked a new crisis for the Catholic Church in Peru, as it involves one of the most prominent leadership roles in the country’s ecclesiastical structure. The move to separate Santarsiero Rosa from his duties follows the public emergence of the testimonies, including a detailed account where a victim described the emotional toll of the alleged abuse.
Further details regarding the accusations against the bishop of Huacho have been highlighted by reports focusing on the credibility and nature of the claims.
The church continues to navigate the legal and canonical implications of the filing, while the public focus remains on the transparency of the Vatican’s response to the denunciations involving a minor and a deacon.
The impact of these allegations is further detailed in reports exploring the veracity of the testimonies and the decision to bring them to light.
The case also brought attention to the personal distress of the victims, with some reports highlighting a testimony of a presumed victim who expressed a desperate need to speak out against the abuse.
