ABSTRACT

This chapter provides an overview of ecclesiastical abuses within the Catholic Church of Mexico, examining two distinct yet interconnected facets: pederasty and the abuse of women in consecrated life. Despite their differing characteristics, both phenomena stem from the same hierarchical framework within the Church. To aid in comprehending the underlying rationale of ecclesiastical abuses, the text provides contextual data on the historical presence of Catholicism in the country.

Regarding pedophilia, this chapter delves into the case of the Legionaries of Christ congregation, a successful transnational congregation, along with its founder Marcial Maciel. This particular case holds prominence in Mexico due to its far-reaching implications and elitist recruitment practices. Furthermore, the chapter discusses a few other high-profile cases within the diocesan church that have received media attention. On a different note, the chapter addresses a relatively understudied topic: abuses within communities of consecrated women. The objective is to demonstrate how these abuses encompass a wide range of forms, including sexual, economic, and psychological manipulation. The investigation draws upon various sources such as documentaries and newspaper articles.