Pope Francisco Meets Journalist Paola Ugaz, Persecuted for Investigating Sodalicio de Vida Cristiana

Paola Ugaz, a Peruvian investigative journalist and author, has been persecuted for her work exposing corruption and abuse within the religious organization Sodalicio de Vida Cristiana. Her investigations, which began in 2010, have led to a campaign of harassment, threats, and defamation lawsuits. In 2021, the Peruvian Special Prosecutor’s Office initiated a case against her for corruption of public officials, a charge that PEN International has called baseless, citing the absence of the main accuser during four summonses to testify.

In November 2022, Pope Francisco met with Ugaz at the Vatican, expressing support for her pursuit of truth. The Pope remarked, “It is time for the truth and to listen to the message and not punish the messenger, and if the messenger is a woman, the situation is even worse.” This statement underscores the broader issue of gender-based persecution in the context of investigative journalism.

PEN International, an organization dedicated to defending freedom of expression, has condemned the legal harassment against Ugaz. Romana Cacchioli, the organization’s Executive Director, called for an immediate halt to all legal actions against her, noting the threats of imprisonment and death that she has faced. The international community, including PEN International, continues to advocate for Ugaz’s safety and the dismissal of unfounded charges.

Elena Ponatiowska, a renowned Mexican writer and 2014 Cervantes Prize winner, expressed solidarity with Ugaz in a public letter. As a fellow journalist, Ponatiowska acknowledged the risks inherent in the profession but emphasized the importance of speaking truth to power. She stated that no individual or institution should be above scrutiny, a sentiment that resonates with the challenges Ugaz has faced.

PEN International asserts that the legal actions against Ugaz are a violation of her rights to freedom of expression and civil liberties. The organization urges Peruvian authorities to cease all harassment, dismiss the charges, and provide Ugaz with immediate protection. This case highlights the broader struggle for accountability and justice within religious and institutional structures.

The case of Paola Ugaz reflects a pattern of suppressing dissent and silencing those who challenge powerful entities. Her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting journalists and authors who seek to uncover the truth, even when it exposes corruption and abuse. The pursuit of justice and transparency remains a critical endeavor, guided by the principles of accountability and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

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