Santiago, Chile, Jun 19, 2018 / 17:03 pm
The Chilean province of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary reported Monday that a preliminary investigation is underway on Fr. Juan Andrés Peretiatkowicz Valdés, accused of sexual abuse and the abuse of power.
According to a June 18 statement, the case involves accusations of acts which "allegedly began at the end of the 1980s." According to the congregation the priest has had no pastoral responsibilities for five years for health reasons.
"We express our will and commitment to thoroughly and rigorously investigate these acts and resolutely fight against the culture of abuse and cover up," the congregation stated.
Provincial Superior René Cabezón Yáñez received the information in early May and "immediately began a preliminary investigation."