A Chilean priest cleared of abuse allegations by Vatican authorities has announced his departure from the Society of Jesus, citing what he described as irreparable breakdown in trust with the order. Father Felipe Berríos, a well known figure in Chile for his social and housing advocacy, said his decision follows continued disciplinary restrictions imposed by the Jesuits despite a Vatican ruling that dismissed the canonical case against him. The ruling concluded that there was insufficient moral certainty to establish the alleged crimes and ordered his reinstatement. However, the Jesuit leadership maintained internal measures limiting his ministry, prompting Berríos to say he could no longer remain within a community where fraternity had been damaged. His departure highlights ongoing tensions within the Church over how abuse allegations are handled when canonical, civil, and internal religious processes produce different outcomes.
The case stems from accusations made in 2022 by multiple women who alleged sexual misconduct dating back several decades. Parallel investigations unfolded within Church structures and the Chilean judicial system. While the civil cases were ultimately dismissed due to statutes of limitation, one lower court ruling initially affirmed the credibility of an allegation before being overturned on appeal. The higher court later stated that expired cases prevent legal determination of guilt. Vatican authorities subsequently reviewed the Jesuit administrative process and ruled in favor of Berríos, concluding the canonical process without penalties. Despite this, the Jesuits reaffirmed their internal assessment that certain behaviors caused harm and warranted restrictions. This divergence between Vatican judgment and religious order discipline has drawn attention to the complexity of accountability mechanisms within the Church.
Berríos has argued that from the outset he was treated as guilty in public communications and said the process lacked pastoral care for the accused. He maintains that his decision to submit himself to civil investigation was driven by a desire for transparency and equal treatment under the law. Jesuit leadership, however, has defended its actions as responsible and grounded in its own evaluation of available evidence. Survivor advocates have strongly criticized Berríos, arguing that legal technicalities should not obscure harm experienced by victims and that internal Church sanctions are necessary when trust has been compromised. The debate reflects broader divisions within Chilean society and the Church, where past abuse scandals have deeply damaged institutional credibility and intensified scrutiny of clerical conduct.
The priest’s departure occurs against the backdrop of Chile’s long struggle with clerical abuse cases that have reshaped public attitudes toward Church authority. High profile scandals over the past decade exposed systemic failures and led to demands for greater transparency and accountability. Berríos has described the current climate as one where media pressure and public opinion heavily influence internal Church decisions. He has indicated plans to seek incardination under a local bishop while continuing social work outside religious life. The episode underscores unresolved questions about justice, reconciliation, and due process within ecclesial structures. It also illustrates how abuse cases continue to reverberate through Church institutions, even when legal and canonical judgments diverge, leaving lasting consequences for individuals and communities alike.
