Vatican Opens Canonical Investigation into Priest Accused of Child Sexual Abuse in Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina

The first formal complaint in the case was filed on 20 May 2025, after injuries were discovered in one of the children at a kindergarten in Villa Carlos Paz, Córdoba. Reports describe a series of complaints that followed, and the priest was removed from the kindergarten, which is known as “Garden of the Child God.” One report says the ecclesiastical institution allowed him to continue his activities for a period after the complaints were made, a timeline the report placed at about a year before its publication. Protecting children from harm requires a response that does not wait, a point that bears on the handling of these complaints (Mark 9:42).

The priest is named differently across the reports. Coverage from Clarín uses “Nicola,” while La Voz and Perfil use “Alejandro Nicola,” and La Voz’s headline uses “Alexander Nicola.” Reports also differ on the number of complaints. Clarín’s headline refers to seven sexual abuse allegations, Perfil reports at least five complaints of child sexual abuse, and Infobae reports 13 formal complaints. Perfil says Nicola was removed in June from the Niño Dios parish in Villa Carlos Paz, where he had been the former director of the parish’s garden.

La Voz reports that a canonical preliminary investigation into Nicola began in July 2026. Presbyter Daniel Juncos is in charge of the ecclesiastical inquiry and said the proceedings will be referred to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Juncos said about 25 statements have been compiled so far from mothers, relatives, and others linked to the educational institution. A report headlined as a Vatican opening of the investigation is consistent with this account, though the reports supplied here describe the process through the diocesan presbyter.

Perfil reports that Nicola concelebrated at least two Masses at the Cathedral of Córdoba after his removal from the parish. Archbishop Ángel Rossi said there is no formal prohibition on Nicola accompanying another priest in liturgical service while the criminal case does not result in a conviction. Rossi acknowledged that Nicola’s public presence generated noise inside the institution. The criminal case remains an allegation-stage matter, and no conviction has been reported.

Infobae reports that Nicola appeared in Courts II on a Monday for a psychological evaluation ordered by prosecutor Jorgelina Gómez. The proceedings are currently under secret investigation. Infobae also reports that the case has involved 13 formal complaints and six interviews with children conducted in Gesell chambers. Infobae does not state the outcome of the evaluation.

Infobae’s coverage carries the headline “‘It’s a mockery for us’: scandal in Córdoba over a priest accused of child abuse who reappeared at a mass.” That headline describes public reaction to Nicola’s reappearance at Mass, and the reports supplied do not include further statements from the complainants or the court.