Opus Dei Denounces Media Manipulation in Lawsuit by Former Assistant Numeraries

Opus Dei Leaders Face Human Trafficking Allegations in Argentina

A controversial legal case has emerged in Argentina, where Opus Dei, the influential Catholic organization, is facing serious allegations of human trafficking and labor exploitation involving young women. The case, which formally entered the courts in 2024 after years of media attention, has now reached the highest levels of the organization’s leadership structure.

According to prosecutors, Opus Dei authorities allegedly recruited women while they were still minors and subjected them to what the lawsuit describes as a “regime of semi-slavery” in their residences. The Argentine prosecutor’s office has requested an investigation into the last four regional vicars of Opus Dei in Argentina, including Monsignor Mariano Fazio, the current auxiliary vicar and second-in-command of the global organization.

In a significant escalation, the plaintiff’s legal team is now urging prosecutors to summon Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, the prelate of Opus Dei and its highest authority, for questioning. This move would bring the case to the very pinnacle of the organization’s worldwide hierarchy.

The legal dispute has evolved dramatically since its inception. What began as a labor complaint gradually transformed into a lawsuit seeking compensation for damages, before ultimately developing into allegations of labor exploitation and human trafficking. Since June 2023, a formal judicial investigation has been underway following complaints that a group of women were victims of these serious offenses.

Opus Dei has responded forcefully to these allegations, issuing a statement denouncing what it calls “the manipulation of judicial proceedings to create a media and public opinion case.” The organization maintains that the presiding judge has not yet charged any crimes, ruled on whether to grant the prosecutor’s requests, or named individuals who might be summoned for questioning.

The prelature argues that the judicial investigation centers on the personal situation of just one woman during her time with the organization. Opus Dei characterizes the effort to implicate Monsignor Ocáriz as part of “a deceptive and sustained media strategy” aimed at transforming a labor compensation claim into a criminal investigation.

“The case as a whole represents an attempt at manipulation by introducing the charge of committing a criminal offense that actually has no connection with the facts described by the complainants themselves, much less with the reality of Opus Dei,” the organization stated. They further claim that the request to question their prelate is designed to “artificially extend the scope of the criminal investigation” to increase media impact and pressure the justice system.

According to Opus Dei, the allegations reflect a “complete decontextualization of the freely chosen vocation of the assistant numerary of Opus Dei,” suggesting that the women voluntarily joined the organization and accepted its practices. The prelature has expressed regret that “judicial mechanisms are being used to sustain a prefabricated narrative that seeks to establish blame without any basis in the facts.”

The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Opus Dei, which was founded in 1928 and has approximately 90,000 members worldwide. The organization has long faced criticism from former members and observers regarding its practices, recruitment methods, and internal structure, while supporters praise its spiritual formation and commitment to sanctifying ordinary work.

Opus Dei maintains its “complete willingness to cooperate with the judicial authorities” and has called for respect for the presumption of innocence as the legal process unfolds. The organization insists it rejects all allegations and expresses confidence that “the truth will prevail” as the case proceeds through Argentina’s legal system.

This case represents one of the most significant legal challenges to Opus Dei’s leadership in recent years and could have far-reaching implications for the organization’s operations and reputation globally.