A dramatic scandal has shaken the Catholic Church in Peru. Bishop Ciro Quispe López, aged 51, has resigned from his position in the Prelature of Juli after being accused of maintaining 17 secret relationships, one of which is alleged to be with a nun.
Reports say those involved discovered one another and confronted the bishop — triggering a Vatican investigation and his eventual resignation.
Who is Bishop Ciro Quispe López?
Ciro Quispe López was appointed bishop of the Prelature of Juli (Puno region). His role placed him in spiritual and administrative leadership over communities, many of them indigenous, around Lake Titicaca.
The resignation marks an abrupt end to a clerical career once regarded with respect in local church circles.
The Allegations: 17 Lovers, Including a Nun
According to local and church sources, the bishop is accused of:
- Seventeen secret romantic relationships
- One of the women is claimed to be a nun
- Some accounts mention a lawyer among the alleged lovers
- Messages and videos reportedly surfaced that implicate him
- The women supposedly discovered each other and engaged in conflict
The drama deepened when one of the women, a housekeeper, reportedly retained communications intended for someone else — sparking suspicion. As the women compared notes, tensions escalated and the case erupted into public view.
Vatican Intervention and Resignation
The Vatican launched a canonical investigation in 2024 after initial accusations. As the inquiry deepened, pressure mounted. On September 24, 2025, the Pope accepted Bishop Quispe’s resignation.
While the resignation does not itself constitute admission of guilt, it removes him from active governance while the church’s formal procedures unfold.
Impacts on the Prelature of Juli
The scandal carries heavy consequences:
- Trust erosion among parishioners toward leadership
- Questions about financial accountability and use of church funds
- Disruption to pastoral care and services in the region
- A call for greater oversight and reporting mechanisms
For communities that rely on the church’s support for education, health, and relief work, stability and transparency are urgent needs.
Key Facts in Summary
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bishop | Ciro Quispe López, age 51 |
| Position | Bishop of the Prelature of Juli (Puno, Peru) |
| Alleged Misconduct | 17 romantic relationships, including one with a nun |
| Exposure Method | Messages/videos circulated; a housekeeper preserved some evidence |
| Vatican Action | Canonical investigation; acceptance of resignation on Sept. 24, 2025 |
| Effect | Loss of governance, ongoing formal inquiry |
Timeline of Events
- Early complaints emerge about unusual behavior and finances.
- 2024 — Vatican begins investigation into Quispe’s conduct.
- Mid-2025 — Reports of 17 lovers surface; women confront him.
- Sept. 24, 2025 — Pope accepts resignation; investigation continues.
What Happens Next?
Now that Quispe is no longer in power, the church’s disciplinary process will carry forward. Possible outcomes include:
- Canonical penalties (restrictions, removal from ministry)
- Restitution if financial misappropriation is proven
- Involvement of civil authorities if criminal acts are suspected
- Implementation of reform measures to enhance accountability
For local faithful, the priority will be restoring confidence: auditing finances, ensuring pastoral continuity, and protecting potential whistleblowers.
The resignation of Bishop Ciro Quispe López under such sensational allegations has stunned Peru’s Catholic community.
Whether the claims of 17 secret lovers, including a nun, stand true or not, the episode underscores urgent needs for transparency, accountability, and healing in the Prelature of Juli.
As the church’s formal process continues, the people of Juli and beyond will watch closely for signs that leadership can be restored — not just in position, but in moral credibility.
