Listen to the article
Opus Dei Denounces “Media Strategy” in Argentine Human Trafficking Investigation
The Catholic organization Opus Dei has strongly criticized what it calls the “manipulation of judicial proceedings” in an ongoing Argentine legal case that now seeks to implicate the highest authorities of the religious group in alleged human trafficking.
The case formally entered the Argentine court system in 2024, though media coverage of the allegations began years earlier. The lawsuit claims Opus Dei authorities recruited women while they were minors and subsequently subjected them to conditions resembling slavery in the organization’s residences.
What began as a labor complaint gradually escalated, first into a lawsuit seeking compensation for damages, then to accusations of labor exploitation, and finally to allegations of human trafficking. Since June 2023, Argentine judicial authorities have been investigating claims that a group of women were victims of human trafficking and labor exploitation within Opus Dei facilities.
In a significant development, the Argentine prosecutor’s office has requested an investigation into the last four regional vicars of Opus Dei in Argentina. This includes Monsignor Mariano Fazio, the current auxiliary vicar and second-in-command of the global Opus Dei organization. The attorney representing the plaintiffs has gone further, calling on prosecutors to request testimony from Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, the prelate of Opus Dei and its highest authority worldwide.
Opus Dei has responded by pointing out that the presiding judge has not yet filed any criminal charges, ruled on whether to grant the prosecution’s requests, or officially named those who might be summoned for questioning.
In a detailed statement, the prelature clarified that the judicial investigation centers on the personal situation of one woman during her time with the apostolate. The organization condemned what it described as a “deceptive and sustained media strategy” attempting to transform what they view as essentially a labor compensation claim into a criminal investigation with international implications.
“The case as a whole represents an attempt at manipulation by introducing the charge of a committing a criminal offense (human trafficking) that actually has no connection with the facts described by the complainants themselves, much less with the reality of Opus Dei,” the organization stated.
The Catholic group characterized the request to question Ocáriz as an attempt to “artificially extend the scope of the criminal investigation” to include individuals with no direct connection to the alleged events. According to Opus Dei, this approach aims primarily at “amplifying the impact on public opinion and exerting pressure on the justice system.”
The statement further noted that similar tactics were employed when Monsignor Fazio’s testimony was requested, claiming it was “announced with an orchestrated media blitz” designed to create public pressure.
At the heart of the dispute is what Opus Dei describes as a “complete decontextualization of the freely chosen vocation of the assistant numerary of Opus Dei.” The organization maintains that women who served as assistant numeraries did so voluntarily as part of their religious commitment, not as exploited workers.
The legal battle takes place against the backdrop of increased scrutiny of religious organizations worldwide regarding their internal practices and treatment of members. Opus Dei, founded in Spain in 1928, has approximately 90,000 members globally and has previously faced criticism regarding alleged secretive practices and rigid hierarchical structures.
The prelature expressed regret that “judicial mechanisms are being used to sustain a prefabricated narrative that seeks to establish blame without any basis in the facts that actually occurred” and emphasized the importance of respecting the presumption of innocence in legal proceedings.
As the case continues to unfold in Argentina, Opus Dei maintains its “complete willingness to cooperate with the judicial authorities” while expressing confidence that “the truth will prevail” once all facts are properly examined.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
6 Comments
The media portrayal of this case will be crucial. Responsible reporting that avoids sensationalism and allows all perspectives to be heard is essential. I hope the legal process can uncover the facts in an objective manner.
Allegations of human trafficking and exploitation are very serious. I’m glad the Argentine authorities are looking into this thoroughly. It’s crucial that vulnerable individuals are protected, regardless of the institutions involved.
Agreed. It’s important not to rush to judgment, but the claims warrant a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure justice is served.
This is a complex situation that highlights the challenges of balancing religious freedom and individual rights. I’m curious to see how the courts navigate these sensitive issues and whether the investigation leads to a satisfactory resolution.
It’s concerning to hear about alleged human trafficking and exploitation within a religious organization. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of this and ensure that any wrongdoing is addressed appropriately.
This is a concerning case that deserves careful investigation. It’s important to allow due process and hear out all sides before drawing conclusions. I hope the truth comes to light, whether that vindicates or implicates Opus Dei.