QUITO, Ecuador. Pope Francis has thrown his support behind a group of Peruvian villagers who have accused companies affiliated with a powerful South American church organization of attempting to unlawfully seize their land through legal maneuvers and dubious land titling tactics.
In a recorded video message from his residence in the Vatican, the Pope offered solidarity to members of the San Juan Bautista de Catacaos farmers community in northern Peru, who have been embroiled in legal battles against companies associated with the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae since 2014.
“I know what happened to you,” the Pope said in Spanish. “Defend your land and don’t let them steal it.”
The Sodalitium, a conservative lay group, operates schools, spiritual retreat centers, and various businesses in South America. Founded in Peru in 1971, it amassed a large following across the continent but has faced mounting scrutiny in recent years due to allegations of sexual abuse against its founder and senior members.
Last July, the Vatican dispatched a high-level commission to investigate the Sodalitium’s activities in Peru, including allegations of financial impropriety and sexual abuse. During the commission’s visit, they met with members of the Catacaos farmers community, who accused the Sodalitium of attempting to unlawfully acquire 1900 hectares (4,000 acres) of their ancestral land through fraudulent means.
The villagers claim the Sodalitium used forged documents to assert ownership and have subjected them to numerous legal challenges. The land dispute is currently under review by a Peruvian court.
Pope Francis encouraged the Catacaos villagers to persevere in defending their land, which they have cultivated for generations, raising cattle and producing honey. “Thanks for doing what you do,” he said, offering his blessing and requesting prayers for himself.
The Pope’s message coincided with the celebration of the Catacaos community’s 466th anniversary. Marcelino Ynga, the community’s current leader, expressed gratitude for the Pope’s support and hoped for a swift resolution from the Vatican regarding the Sodalitium’s fate.
Carlos Rodriguez, the community’s lawyer, welcomed the Pope’s message as a form of “reparation” for the villagers and recognition of their struggle. “These farmers are not criminals,” he emphasized. “They are guardians of their land.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
