In a landmark ruling, Colombia’s Constitutional Court has ordered the Catholic Church to disclose information about priests accused of sexual abuse, declaring that journalistic investigations into matters of public interest outweigh the Church’s claims of confidentiality.
Newsroom (June 04, 2025, 01:30, Gaudium Press) The decision, issued last week, marks a victory for journalists Juan Pablo Barrientos and Miguel Ángel Estupiñán, who had been denied access to records by the Archdiocese of Medellín since 2020. The Church had invoked “pontifical secret”—a canon law provision ensuring confidentiality—to withhold details on 105 priests accused of misconduct.
However, the court ruled that societal transparency takes precedence, particularly in cases involving alleged crimes against minors.
A Journalistic Battle for Accountability
Barrientos, one of the journalists behind the case, had previously investigated Father Luis Ángel Cuenca Serrano, a Bogotá priest accused of abusing at least 12 children. Despite reports reaching Cardinal Luis José Rueda, the Archbishop of Bogotá, Cuenca was promoted to episcopal vicar before the Vatican intervened, ordering an investigation that ultimately led to his laicization.
The Society of Jesus (Jesuits), meanwhile, acknowledged only one confirmed case—that of Father Víctor Manuel Torres González, now imprisoned since his 2015 conviction. The order claimed that historical records were incomplete due to their expulsion from Colombia twice in 400 years, resulting in lost or destroyed archives.
“This sets a crucial precedent for transparency in institutions that have historically operated above public scrutiny,” Barrientos told reporters outside the courthouse. His reporting previously exposed how Bogotá priest Luis Ángel Cuenca Serrano – accused of molesting a dozen children – was promoted to vicar despite Cardinal Luis José Rueda knowing of allegations.
Church’s Response: Compliance with Reservations
The bishops’ conference pledged compliance but pushed back against what it called a “fishing expedition” that presumes guilt. “Demanding every priest’s biography since colonial times violates due process,” conference president Monsignor Héctor Fabio Henao said in a carefully worded statement.
Legal analysts note the decision mirrors global trends following the 2002 Boston Globe investigation, with Chile, Australia and the U.S. all compelling greater Church transparency. Victims’ advocates immediately hailed the ruling.
“This isn’t about attacking faith – it’s about protecting the faithful,” said Ana María Méndez of the Colombian Survivors Network. “When allegations arise, sunlight must follow.”
The Archdiocese has 30 days to outline its document release process. Court observers expect appeals, potentially reaching the Inter-American human rights system.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from the Tablet
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