Vatican dissolves Sodality of Christian Life

Apr 25, 2025

VATICAN: The Vatican has formally dissolved the Sodality of Christian Life (SCV) and all institutions founded by Luis Fernando Figari, following a papal investigation into abuse. The decree of suppression was signed on April 15 by SCV’s superior general, José David Correa, at the Vatican, in the presence of Sr Simona Brambilla, prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life. Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu Farnós has been appointed apostolic commissioner to oversee the process.

The SCV, founded in 1971 in Peru, expressed sorrow and obedience to the Pope’s decision and asked forgiveness from victims, the Church, and society for the abuses committed. Figari was sanctioned by the Vatican in 2017 and expelled from the SCV in 2024.

Other dissolved groups include the Marian Fraternity of Reconciliation, the Servants of God’s Plan, and the Christian Life Movement, which ceased operations between April 2–14. The SCV had operated in several countries across the Americas and Europe.

From 2016 to 2024, the SCV made out-of-court reparations to 83 victims, including 15 cases of sexual abuse of minors, 18 involving adults, and 50 of other abuses. The assets of the dissolved institutions will be used for victim compensation and support for former members. --CNA