Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Peruvian Bishop – Accused of Homosexual Abuse
The resignation follows allegations of homosexual misconduct. In April 2026, InfoVaticana.com had reported that complaints had been submitted to the Apostolic Nunciature in Lima and to the Vatican, accusing Santarsiero of homosexually abusing a former minor seminarian and a priest who had served as his secretary.
As usual, Santarsiero has categorically denied all allegations.
The seminarian claimed Santarsiero subjected him to unwanted sexual contact and used promises of scholarships, employment, and opportunities within the diocese to exercise influence over him.
The former secretary to Santarsiero alleges that the bishop subjected him to unwanted physical contact and psychological manipulation. According to the dossier, the priest also claims Santarsiero attempted to discredit him by spreading claims about his sexual orientation after he rejected the alleged advances.
Following publication of the allegations, Santarsiero stepped aside as Secretary General of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference.
InfoVaticana had further reported that the former secretary submitted documentation detailing the allegations to Cardinal Robert Prevost, then Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, already in November 2024 and personally delivered the same documentation in Rome in December 2025. The Vatican has not publicly confirmed receiving those submissions or stated whether action was taken.
Robert Prevost and Santarsiero had longstanding professional ties within the Peruvian episcopate.
Santarsiero became President of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference's Economic Council in 2017, while Prevost was elected Second Vice President in 2018, and both were re-elected to those posts in 2022 for the 2022–2025 term. They served together on the conference's leadership until January 2023, when Pope Francis appointed Prevost Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
After Prevost's move to Rome, the two continued to appear together at public ecclesiastical events, including a November 2023 Mass in Chiclayo celebrated by Cardinal Prevost and attended by Santarsiero.
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