A high-ranking Catholic bishop in Peru has resigned following shocking allegations that he maintained secret romantic relationships with 17 women, including a nun and a lawyer, in one of the most scandalous cases to hit the Catholic Church in recent years.
The bishop, identified as Ciro Quispe López, tendered his resignation to the Vatican after a church investigation reportedly uncovered evidence of multiple affairs, explicit photos, and inappropriate communications with several women under his pastoral care.
According to reports, the scandal began when the bishop accidentally sent intimate photos and videos intended for one of his mistresses to his cleaning lady. The woman, startled by the nature of the material, forwarded it to church officials, triggering a full investigation by the Vatican.
Sources close to the case allege that Bishop Quispe maintained simultaneous relationships with at least 17 women. Some of the alleged mistresses included a nun, a lawyer, and several female parishioners. When the women discovered each other’s involvement, they reportedly confronted him, leading to widespread leaks of photos, messages, and voice notes.
The evidence, which included private conversations, financial records, and phone data, was reviewed by church investigators who concluded that the bishop had violated vows of celibacy and abused his position of authority.
The Vatican has not released an official statement detailing the findings but confirmed that Pope Francis accepted Quispe’s resignation “for personal reasons.” Local media in Peru, however, reported that the decision followed weeks of intense scrutiny and growing pressure from parishioners demanding accountability.
In addition to the allegations of misconduct, the bishop is also under investigation for suspected financial irregularities, including alleged misuse of church funds meant for charity and parish development projects.
While Bishop Quispe has denied all wrongdoing, calling the reports a “defamation campaign orchestrated by dark hands,” the Catholic community in Peru has expressed outrage and disappointment. Many church members have called for stronger internal oversight and greater transparency in the handling of clergy misconduct cases.
Religious leaders in the region have urged the faithful to remain calm, emphasizing that the Church remains committed to integrity and reform. “This is a painful moment, but also a reminder that no one is above accountability,” one priest said during Sunday Mass.
The scandal has reignited global debate over clerical celibacy, the abuse of power within the Church, and the Vatican’s handling of sexual and ethical misconduct among clergy.
As investigations continue, the case of Bishop Ciro Quispe López stands as a major test of the Church’s promise to uphold discipline, truth, and transparency in the face of scandal.