The Catholic Church often receives criticism for its historical role in colonization, including land grabs, labor exploitation, and more. In recent years, the Church has tried to address the many wrongs committed under the Catholic banner. Pope Francis's message of support for a farming community in Peru shows how far the Church has come on this topic. The San Juan Bautista de Catacaos community is feeling newly empowered by the Pope's support while they confront a mysterious Catholic lay group that's been trying to take over their ancestral lands.

A Closer Look at the Catacaos Community of Peru

The San Juan Bautista de Catacaos community is deeply rooted in the history of northern Peru, boasting a legacy that spans over four centuries. Established in 1556, the community has maintained a continuous presence in the region, contributing significantly to the local economy through agriculture, cattle farming, and making honey.

Over the years, the villagers have developed a sustainable model of living that is closely tied to the land. The land holds historical significance, hosting numerous local traditions and festivals, reinforcing their connection to their ancestors and the region. This bond makes the threat of displacement not just a loss of their homes but a potential erasure of their cultural history. The community’s perseverance in defending their rights to their land is fueled by this historical context.

Allegations Against the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae

The Sodalitium Christianae Vitae group is an all-male Catholic society of lay people and priests who live together as "brothers." Founded in 1971 in Lima, Peru, the Sodalitium was the first Catholic society run by men in Peru to receive Pontifical approval, which happened in 1997.

The group has been influential in South America, operating schools, retreat centers, and various businesses. It has courted controversy for many years as people accuse the group of enabling and supporting sexual abuse alongside aggressive land grabs.

The Catacaos community is currently embroiled in a land dispute with the Sodalitium. The community alleges that the reclusive Catholic group is attempting to steal their land by forging documents and starting bogus lawsuits.

Pope Francis's Public Support for the Catacaos Community

Pope Francis didn't have a chance to visit the Catacaos community in northern Peru to discuss their struggles, but he did record a video message addressed to them. In this video, the Pope encouraged the community to defend their rights and maintain their land. He said, "Defend your land and don’t let them steal it."

As the leader of the Vatican, the Pope's message makes it clear that the Catholic Church stands against the actions of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. This bold declaration was made as the Catacaos community celebrated its 466th anniversary.

The Vatican’s Response and Investigation

In response to the growing accusations against the Sodalitium, the Vatican dispatched a high-level commission to Peru to evaluate whether or not the Church should dissolve the group. The commission's visit included interactions with both Sodalitium leaders and the affected Catacaos community.

The investigation is proof that the Vatican is approaching the allegations against the Sodalitium seriously. The Vatican's top prosecutor for sexual abuse cases is involved, indicating a shift towards greater accountability within the Church both regionally in South America and across the globe.

Impact on the Catacaos Community

The Pope’s endorsement comes as a beacon of support for the Catacaos community as they maintain their resilience against displacement and legal harassment. This support from the highest echelons of the Catholic Church brings international attention to their fight, potentially influencing the judicial proceedings in favor of the community by highlighting the moral and ethical aspects of the dispute.

Pope Francis’s unequivocal message of solidarity with the Catacaos villagers may encourage other marginalized communities facing similar battles to speak out and ask for support. The world will most certainly keep its eyes on this dispute as it plays out in Peruvian courts.