Sodality of Christian Life: Figari is no longer part of our community

In a statement, the Superior General of the Sodality of Christian Life, José David Correa González, described Pope Francis’ decision as “a gesture of pastoral charity, justice and reconciliation within our community” and with all the victims of Figari. Correa stressed that due to the Pope’s measure, Figari “no longer has any connection with our community.”

Correa also referred to previous actions taken by the Sodality against its founder, including the disciplinary measures imposed on him in 2014 “after receiving testimony of abuse” and his declaration of persona non grata in 2016. In addition, he stated that following the Holy See’s sanctions in 2017, as Superior General he asked the Vatican in 2019 to expel Figari from the Society of Apostolic Life.

“As we have previously explained, Luis Fernando Figari is the historical founder of the Sodality of Christian Life, but he is not a spiritual model for our community or the Sodality family,” explained the Superior General.

Finally, in its statement, the Sodality reaffirmed its commitment to continue the process of renewal and reiterated its request for forgiveness and its solidarity with the victims.

“We reiterate our willingness to continue our efforts to ensure a safe environment in all our communities and apostolic works,” Correa stressed.

Who is Luis Fernando Figari?

Figari founded the Sodalitium in Peru in 1971. The Society of Apostolic Life is currently present in several countries in America and in Italy.

However, in 2015, journalists Pedro Salinas and Paola Ugaz published the book “Mitad monjes, mitad soldados” (“Half monks, half soldiers”), in which they accused Figari and other members of the sodality of sexual abuse and abuse of power.

The following year, the Vatican appointed Cardinal Joseph Tobin, then Archbishop of Indianapolis, as the Sodality’s delegate. His duties included assisting in decisions “regarding the accusations made against the founder.”