Priest Convicted of Sexual Abuse Remained Listed as Vicar in Diocese of Caldas Despite Institutional Response

The Diocese of Caldas removed a reference to Luis Ernesto Valencia López from its website one day after a court ruling was announced. The priest, convicted of sexual abuse against a minor in 2008, was still listed as a vicar of a parish in Caldas, Antioquia, until September 1. This revelation sparked concern within the Catholic Church, highlighting ongoing issues of accountability and transparency.

According to El Tiempo, the Diocese of Caldas took down the reference to Valencia López following the court’s decision. The court found him responsible for sexual acts with a 14-year-old minor. The Diocese stated that it restricted his ministry during the trial, yet the priest continued to be associated with the institution and participated in public activities.

The First Criminal Court of Caldas initially sentenced Valencia López to 12 years in prison. Judge Pastor Camilo Perafán Cardona later reduced the sentence by 80 months, resulting in a final prison term of just over five years. The victim, who was 13 at the time of the abuse, is now 31. The complaint was filed years after the incident, according to available information.

The Diocese of Caldas issued a statement on September 1 expressing solidarity with the victim and his family. It also offered services including denunciation, listening, and spiritual, psychological, and legal accompaniment through its Office for the Culture of Care. The institution emphasized that it initiated its institutional protocol upon receiving the case details and provided the necessary information to the Attorney General’s Office.

The Diocese maintained that it began the process as soon as the complaint was formalized and implemented preventive measures. It insisted on its collaboration with authorities from the moment it became aware of the allegations. Sources from the Diocese explained to El Tiempo that the victim chose a priest for spiritual accompaniment, noting that this was a personal decision.

The Diocese also addressed accusations that Valencia López remained protected within the ecclesiastical structure. It asserted that the priest was restricted in his ministry and did not hold any administrative positions. The institution emphasized its commitment to addressing such matters and supporting victims through its established protocols.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)