New public complaint against priest Patricio Cruz Viale in Córdoba, Argentina: cousin alleges childhood sexual abuse

Father Patricio Cruz Viale, a priest affiliated with the Schoenstatt Catholic Church, faces a trial for charges of grossly abusive sexual abuse against a 46-year-old woman. A new public complaint has emerged from his cousin, Paulina Viale, who alleges she was sexually abused by him when she was 7 years old. The case is being heard in the 4th Chamber of Crime.

Paulina Viale revealed her experience in a television interview, stating she endured abuse at the hands of the priest when he was 16. She explained that her cousin’s arrest in 2024, following another victim’s complaint, gave her the courage to come forward. “What I feel like telling you today is that I suffered an abuse at age 7, a violation by this person who was at the time 16,” she said.

Viale has testified in the case, emphasizing his desire to support others who have experienced similar trauma. “With my history I am looking not only to get out of 40 years of not being able to speak and be sustaining a pretty hard life, but also to make a precedent or a difference for others to encourage themselves as I encouraged myself,” he stated during his testimony in Arriba Córdoba.

The priest has been serving home imprisonment since January of this year. The Schoenstatt movement, to which he belongs, has publicly supported him following the announcement of his home confinement. The case originated from the testimony of a parishioner who alleged the abuse occurred in the priest’s office after a religious celebration at the Schoenstatt church in Cordoba’s northwest area.

Paulina Viale’s complaint refers to an intrafamily incident that took place decades ago and was previously reported. However, she emphasized the importance of breaking the silence to encourage others to come forward. “Speaking empowers other people to have more people report because the victim denounces when he can,” she said. “I was like this for 40 years, that’s why I’m trying to talk, I don’t want to be ashamed anymore or hiding. Besides, I don’t want to be an accomplice, if I don’t say it and don’t tell it, I feel like I’m an accomplice.”

Patricio Cruz Viale is charged with the crime of abusive sexual abuse qualified by cult ministry. After more than a year of detention in Bouwer prison, the court granted him home imprisonment. The case continues to unfold, with the potential for further legal developments.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)