Priest Arrested for Alleged Child Sexual Abuse in Mexico City; Archdiocese Initiates Investigation
Mexico City, July 15 – The Archdiocese of Mexico City announced today that a priest has been detained for his alleged involvement in the sexual abuse of a minor. While no official notification has been received from justice authorities, the Archdiocese stated its “full availability to collaborate in whatever is required, in order to contribute to the clarification of the facts and the administration of justice.”
The Archdiocese’s communication followed an announcement by the civil organization Spes Viva regarding the arrest of priest Enrique “N.” The arrest took place on July 9 near the San Martín de Porres parish in the Cuauhtémoc borough of Mexico City.
Spes Viva Raises Concerns, Archdiocese Responds
Spes Viva, an organization dedicated to the protection and defense of child victims of sexual abuse, highlighted that the accused minister has 25 years of priestly activity. The organization criticized the Archdiocese for its initial silence, stating, “it is common for this institution to take advantage of secrecy to protect and cover up these types of cases and leave victims in a state of helplessness and vulnerability.”
In response, the Archdiocese clarified that it learned of the matter from the accused himself.
Archdiocese Launches Canonical Investigation and Pledges Cooperation
The Archdiocese reported that Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, Primate Archbishop of Mexico, has instructed the ecclesiastical authority “to initiate the corresponding preliminary investigation, in accordance with canon law and the procedures established by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.”
Simultaneously, while investigations are underway, “appropriate precautionary measures will be adopted, without interfering with or replacing the actions of the civil authorities.”
The Archdiocese affirmed its commitment to maintaining “closeness with the minor victim, their family, and anyone who may have been a victim of any form of abuse.” It also reiterated its “permanent commitment to the protection of girls, boys, adolescents, and vulnerable people, as well as with the respectful accompaniment of those who have suffered any form of violence.”
Calls for Justice and Non-Repetition
Separately, Spes Viva urged Mexico City authorities to act in accordance with the law and not to invoke the tacit “ecclesiastical privilege,” which in the past has granted impunity to pedophile Catholic ministers. The organization also requested that justice, comprehensive reparation, and guarantees of non-repetition be ensured for the victim or victims.
