Infamous Catholic abuser remains out of reach of the law while living in Rome

Luis Fernando Figari is banned from his own organization.

A Catholic layman is living in Rome, accused of sexually abusing members of a religious organization that he founded. Despite efforts from his own organization to investigate him, he remains untouchable.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Luis Fernando Figari is the founder of a Catholic lay order in Peru that is so powerful it answers only to the Vatican. The movement was founded in 1971 and Figari remained its head until 2010 when he resigned citing health reasons.

His Catholic credentials are impressive. He has founded several Catholic communities and has been appointed by popes to advise and audit ecclesiastical efforts right up until his resignation. However, he has also been plagued by scandal.

Members of his lay organization, known as Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (Fellowship of Christian Life), have accused Figari of running a fanatical, almost fascist organization, of kidnapping and brainwashing members, and of sexually abusing them, all victims male.

While it is widely assumed he is guilty of these charges, none have ever been filed against him, and none can be because of statute of limitations in Peru. Additionally, former victims fear legal retaliation from Figari. As a result, it seems both the lay organization and the Vatican are content to leave Figari to finish his years in virtual exile.

Figari is banned from his own organization which Pope Francis hopes can reform itself in the coming years. The organization's current leader, Alessandro Moroni has apologized to those who have suffered under the organization in the past.

If the organization continues to reform, then it will survive and continue to serve the people of Peru. If not, then the Vatican has the option to revoke the organization's permission to operate as a lay society.

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