Pope praises courage of journalist who exposed abuse. She vigorously defended him against allegations of cover-up in Peru.
Pope Leo XIV sent a message of greetings to a Peruvian play about an investigative journalist whose research contributed to addressing abuse in the Church
Pope Leo XIV has called for a culture of prevention against abuse in the Catholic Church. In a written message, which was read at the conclusion of the play "Proyecto Ugaz" at the Plaza Theater in Lima, according to Vatican News (Saturday), he stated that the goal must be "to root a culture of prevention throughout the Church that tolerates no form of abuse: neither abuse of power or authority, nor abuse of conscience or spirituality, nor sexual abuse."
The piece is dedicated to journalist Paola Ugaz, whose investigative research contributed to the reappraisal of the now-disbanded Sodalicio de Vida Cristiana community. Leo XIV emphasized the importance of independent journalistic work and warned: "Wherever a journalist is silenced, the democratic soul of a country is weakened." He thanked all those "who have persevered in this cause, even when they were ignored, discredited, or even prosecuted."
In the message, the Pope explicitly acknowledged the contribution of Ugaz and her colleagues: "Your fight for justice is also the fight of the Church." He particularly emphasized the importance of the journalistic profession: "The truth belongs to no one, but it is the responsibility of all to seek it, preserve it, and serve it."
Addressing all media professionals, Leo wrote: "Do not be afraid—through your work, you can become peacemakers, unifiers, and social bridge-builders." Defending free, ethical journalism in times of institutional tension is "a duty of all those who strive for a strong and participatory democracy."
Peruvian investigative journalist Paola Margot Ugaz Cruz (51) uncovered extensive sexual, psychological, and physical abuses within the Sodalicio de Vida Cristiana community between 2010 and 2015, triggering prosecutorial investigations as well as a Vatican investigation. This brought to light serious abuse of power and sexual violence in 2023, after which ten members were dismissed at the behest of Pope Francis in September 2024, shortly after the Vatican had also expelled founder Luis Fernando Figari from the community following allegations of sexual abuse. The community was finally dissolved by Pope Francis in April 2025.
For her research, Ugaz was repeatedly targeted for criminal investigations, disinformation campaigns, online threats, and smear lawsuits, including allegations of financial misconduct – almost all of which were dropped. She was named the "most sued journalist in Peru." In 2021, she received the Courage in Journalism Award from the International Women's Media Foundation, and a 2024 PEN International exhibition in London also referenced her.
Leo XIV, during his time as bishop in Peru, supported Ugaz and had already met victims of sodalicio. As Pope, she also met the journalist during an audience for media professionals a few days after the conclave in May. At that time, the editor-in-chief of the TV channel Nativa TV presented the new head of the church with a scarf made of alpaca wool from the Andes. Ugaz had defended Leo XIV against allegations of possibly covering up cases of abuse in Peru.
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