Peru bishop quits after Vatican probes 17 mistresses, Church fund scandal

A senior Catholic bishop in Peru has resigned following explosive allegations that he maintained secret relationships with 17 women, misused church funds, and even ran a business on the side using church property.

Bishop Ciro Quispe López, 51, of the Diocese of Juli, submitted his resignation to Pope Leo after a Vatican investigation uncovered evidence of inappropriate sexual relationships and possible embezzlement. The scandal erupted after several of the bishop’s alleged lovers discovered each other, leading to confrontations that helped bring the issue into public view, The Times reveals. 

“A nun who was one of Quispe’s lovers was jealous of a lawyer the bishop was also seeing and sent information about his affairs to a third lover who got into a fight with the lawyer,” said Paola Ugaz, a prominent Peruvian journalist who reviewed Vatican documents related to the case. 

The Vatican inquiry followed a report by Sin Fronteras journalist Kevin Moncada. 

As part of its investigation, the Vatican reviewed audio messages, photographs, and videos allegedly sent by Quispe to the women. According to Infobae, one message reportedly includes the bishop admitting to having had intercourse in his official residence.

Ugaz revealed that Quispe mistakenly sent some explicit content meant for his lovers to his cleaning lady, who subsequently reported him to church authorities. According to Moncada, the cleaning lady confirmed inappropriate activity within the bishop’s quarters. 

Quispe has denied all allegations, calling them part of a defamation campaign orchestrated by “dark hands.”

Appointed by Pope Francis in 2018, Quispe had previously been under Vatican scrutiny for alleged financial misconduct. According to Ugaz, he was investigated for using church chairs in a chicken restaurant linked to him. 

The bishop also faced accusations from the Aymara Indigenous community of misusing United Nations funds meant for their development.

“He gave back money, which is rare in Peru, but it was because they threatened to lynch him and the Aymara are known for keeping to their word,” Ugaz added.

By Sabina Mammadli