An Argentine judge has ruled that 20 cloistered nuns in the conservative north of the country suffered abuse for more than two decades at the hands of high-ranking clergy. The accused archbishop and church officials have been ordered to undergo psychological treatment and training in gender discrimination. This ruling has brought attention to the long-standing issue of abuse of nuns by priests and bishops in the Catholic Church. The abuses in religious life are being increasingly exposed and denounced, with nuns feeling more empowered to speak out as a result of movements like #MeToo and #NunsToo. The judge stated that the nuns had suffered acts of gender violence religiously, physically, psychologically, and economically for more than two decades.
The four accused clergy members have denied committing any violence, while the archbishop’s lawyer plans to appeal the ruling. However, the archbishop has agreed to undergo treatment and anti-discrimination training through a local NGO as ordered by the judge. The nuns’ lawyer hailed the verdict as unprecedented in Argentina for recognizing the plaintiffs’ plight and addressing the larger issue of gender discrimination. The case highlights the power dynamics at play and the challenges faced by victims of abuse within the Catholic Church.
In recent years, several cases have emerged involving nuns and consecrated women denouncing abuse by priests, but these complaints have often been ignored by the Vatican and church hierarchy. The nuns in Salta, Argentina, decided to seek justice through the secular justice system due to inaction by church authorities. This mirrors the response of victims of clergy abuse of minors who turned to the courts when church authorities failed to act. The 20 nuns from the Discalced Carmelites at San Bernardo Monastery brought their case forward in 2022, sparking controversy in conservative Salta.
The nuns’ complaints included verbal insults, threats, humiliation, and physical assault, although not sexual abuse. They accused Archbishop Mario Cargnello of grabbing, slapping, shaking, and otherwise assaulting them. The judge described these instances as part of a pattern of physical and psychological gender violence perpetuated by the church’s rigid hierarchy and culture of silence. The ruling has placed a spotlight on a long-standing issue within the Catholic Church, shedding light on the struggles and challenges faced by nuns and consecrated women who have experienced abuse at the hands of clergy.
This case in Argentina underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency within the Catholic Church regarding the mistreatment of nuns. The ruling represents a notable step towards recognizing and addressing the experiences of victims of gender violence within religious institutions. As more victims come forward and seek legal avenues for justice, the church is being forced to confront its history of abuse and cover-ups. The courage of these nuns in pursuing justice through the legal system serves as a powerful example for others facing similar challenges within the church.
