When Faith Hurts: Vatican Confronts ‘Spiritual Abuse’ Amid Scandals in the Church

In an unprecedented move signaling a deeper reckoning with abuses cloaked in spiritual authority, the Vatican is exploring whether “spiritual abuse” should be formally recognized as a crime within the Catholic Church. This initiative, championed by Pope Francis and spearheaded by Cardinal Victor Fernandez, reflects a growing awareness of how faith, when manipulated, can be wielded as a tool of harm.

The Dark Side of Mysticism

For centuries, the Catholic Church has celebrated mysticism, a sacred avenue through which the divine is revealed. Yet, what happens when those entrusted with this sacred responsibility exploit their position? This question lies at the heart of the Vatican’s new directive. Recent years have unearthed chilling cases where priests have invoked supposed mystical experiences to manipulate and abuse others.

One particularly harrowing example is that of Rev. Marko Rupnik, a globally celebrated Catholic artist and spiritual leader. Over two dozen women, predominantly former nuns, have accused Rupnik of various forms of abuse, with one account alleging that he coerced a victim into sexual acts involving another nun under the guise of honoring the Holy Trinity. This grotesque distortion of faith exposes the extent to which spiritual abuse can corrode trust and inflict profound psychological and spiritual harm.

A Moral and Canonical Crisis

The Vatican’s doctrinal office, under the guidance of Cardinal Fernandez, is collaborating with other departments to address this moral and legal quagmire. Their work is anchored in new guidelines introduced in May 2023, which underline the grave immorality of using spiritual claims to control or harm others. However, these guidelines alone may not suffice without clear legal classifications and enforcement mechanisms within the Church’s canon law.

Spiritual abuse, as a concept, challenges traditional notions of harm. It’s not merely about physical or sexual violations but the deliberate misuse of religious authority to erode autonomy, sow fear, and subjugate victims under the pretext of divine will. For the Catholic Church, acknowledging and addressing this form of abuse requires a radical shift in how power dynamics within religious contexts are understood and regulated.

Pope Francis’ Vision: A Church of Accountability

Pope Francis’ directive to confront spiritual abuse aligns with his broader vision of a Church that prioritizes accountability and healing. By targeting this less tangible but deeply damaging form of exploitation, the Vatican is sending a powerful message: no form of abuse—spiritual, emotional, or physical—will be tolerated under the guise of faith.

Yet, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Critics argue that the Church has been slow to act, pointing to the Rupnik case as emblematic of systemic failures. Despite multiple accusations and his eventual expulsion from the Jesuit order, Rupnik continues to minister in Slovenia, a fact that underscores the complexities of enforcement and the enduring influence of power within ecclesiastical structures.

A Call to Protect the Vulnerable

For victims, the recognition of spiritual abuse is a step toward justice and validation. It is also a call to the faithful to remain vigilant against any misuse of religious authority. True faith uplifts, liberates, and heals—it does not coerce, control, or destroy.

The Church’s willingness to confront this issue invites a deeper reflection for believers everywhere: Are we holding our leaders accountable? Are we creating spaces where survivors can safely speak their truths? And most importantly, how can we ensure that our shared faith remains a source of hope rather than harm?

As the Vatican deliberates on this groundbreaking initiative, one thing is clear: the integrity of the Church depends not only on its ability to root out abuse but also on its courage to protect the sacredness of faith from those who would weaponize it.

In this defining moment, the Catholic Church stands at a crossroads—between the darkness of unchecked power and the light of true spiritual renewal. Which path will it choose?