Peruvian Catholic Bishop Resigns Amid Allegations of 17 Secret Romances

In a scandal that reads like a soap opera, Bishop Ciro Quispe López, aged 51 and head of the Prelature of Juli in Peru, has tendered his resignation to Pope Leo XIV after being accused of maintaining romantic relationships with as many as 17 women. 

The Unraveling

The controversy began when rumors of unusual behavior and possible financial irregularities circulated in the region. In mid-2024, the Vatican is believed to have opened an official investigation into the bishop’s conduct, including allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of church funds. 

The allegations gained momentum after Kevin Moncada, a journalist with the Peruvian news outlet Sin Fronteras, published reports claiming that Bishop Quispe was exchanging explicit messages, photos, and videos with multiple women. 

A crucial turning point came when some of the women discovered they were seeing the same man. In one account, a nun, alleged to be among the bishop’s romantic partners, grew jealous of a lawyer also involved with him and sent evidence of his infidelities to a third woman. The ensuing confrontation among his lovers intensified the public scrutiny. 

In a dramatic and perhaps embarrassing twist, explicit photos and videos meant for his mistresses were mistakenly sent to his cleaner. The cleaner, alarmed by the contents and abnormal activity in his residence (including stained sheets and hair in his shower), lodged a complaint with church authorities. 

Resignation and Response

On 24 September 2025, the Vatican formally accepted Quispe’s resignation from pastoral responsibilities.  He steps down well before the usual retirement age (75), a clear sign of the gravity of the situation. 

The Vatican’s press office offered only a brief statement, citing sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement among the reasons for the investigation. 

In his defense, Quispe has denied the claims, suggesting they are part of a “defamation campaign by dark hands.” 

Broader Implications

The shockwaves from this affair extend beyond scandal. The Prelature of Juli, located in southern Peru near Lake Titicaca, serves many indigenous communities reliant on the Church for spiritual and social support. 

Observers say the situation raises urgent questions about transparency, accountability, and the accountability of ecclesiastical leadership. If the allegations hold true, they may prompt deeper introspection and reforms within the Church’s governance in Peru and beyond.

For now, Quispe holds the title Bishop Emeritus, and a formal canonical process is expected to continue. Proponents of reform hope this episode will lead to stronger oversight and protections for vulnerable voices.