Recently, the Prelature of Opus Dei in Argentina found itself at the center of serious allegations concerning human trafficking and labor exploitation.
A group of women has publicly accused former priests associated with Opus Dei of these crimes, sparking significant media attention.
The accusations came to light following indictments against several priests who served as vicars for the organization between 1991 and 2015.
The Indictment Details
The Argentine Federal Court has charged these former vicars with human trafficking and labor exploitation, based on a complaint filed two years ago by 44 women.
These women allege that they were recruited by the Catholic organization as minors and were subjected to conditions resembling semi-slavery in Opus Dei’s residences, as reported by the Argentine newspaper Clarín.
The priests facing these serious charges include Father Carlos Nannei, Father Patricio Olmos, and Father Víctor Urrestarazu, who were all former vicars of Opus Dei in Argentina.
Additionally, Gabriel Dondo, the former director of the women’s branch of Opus Dei, has also been implicated.
Interestingly, the complaint has also suggested including Father Mariano Fazio, who, while not currently facing accusations, was the head of the organization in Argentina from 2010 to 2014 and is now residing in Rome.
Investigation Timeline
The investigation was initiated in 2022 by the Argentine Prosecutor’s Office against Human Trafficking.
By the following year, the office filed a formal complaint with the federal court.
Recently, the National Criminal and Correctional Federal Prosecutor’s Office No. 3, led by Prosecutor Eduardo Taiano, called for the accused priests to be summoned for questioning.
Opus Dei’s Firm Denial
In response to these allegations, Opus Dei released a statement on September 28, strongly denying the claims.
The organization expressed sadness and surprise that a claim originally focused on inconsistencies regarding pension and labor contributions had morphed into serious accusations of human trafficking and labor exploitation.
Opus Dei asserted that the accusations represent a “complete decontextualization” of the experiences of the women involved, emphasizing that many of them freely chose their paths within the organization.
They described the complaints as “totally false,” highlighting that the testimonies seem to conflate different stages of the women’s lives, causing confusion about their experiences.
Clarifying Their Mission
In their statement, Opus Dei explained the role of auxiliary numeraries, which are women who are part of the organization and seek to express their faith through service.
The organization clarified that these women aspire to love God and others, contributing to a family-like environment in the homes they manage.
Opus Dei insisted that their members are compensated fairly for their work, receiving salaries along with private social security benefits.
The organization also mentioned the effort they put into creating a welcoming atmosphere with facilities for relaxation and study.
Commitment to Dialogue and Justice
Addressing the ongoing situation, Opus Dei expressed its intention to listen and establish a dialogue with the accusers to better understand their experiences.
They acknowledged the pain of finding themselves in court but stated that after three years of accusations primarily made in the media, a formal investigation was essential for clarity.
The organization reiterated its commitment to fully cooperating with the justice system to clarify the facts and resolve the matter fairly and transparently.
As the situation develops, many are left wondering what the next steps will be for both Opus Dei and the affected individuals.
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