The scandal shaking the Archdiocese of Lima over the complaints against priest Marco Agüero Vidal continues to worsen after new details of the case came to light. While the Archdiocese of Lima published a statement explaining its actions, Peruvian media have reported that the priest was already detained by the police following an order from the prosecutor’s office for alleged sexual abuses against several young women.
The case has also generated strong controversy due to the explanation offered by the archdiocese regarding the actions of Cardinal Carlos Castillo, who—according to the official statement—did not intervene directly in the process at first because the complaint arrived during the full administrative closure period of the Curia due to the Christmas holidays and later had to travel to Rome to participate in a cardinal consistory.
Priest Marco Agüero Vidal was reported by five young women, including three minors, for alleged improper touching during the sacrament of confession.
The events allegedly occurred at the Parish of Our Lady of Joy, located in the Limatambo towers, in the San Borja district of Lima.
The lawyer for the complainants, Valeria Cabrera Merino, confirmed to Perú 21 that the priest was detained on the night of Thursday, March 5, and transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (Depincri) of San Borja.
The specialized prosecutor’s office for Violence against Women requested a preliminary detention of seven days to prevent flight risk and ensure investigative proceedings for the alleged crime against sexual freedom in the form of touching or libidinous acts.
Continue reading at Infovaticana