On Tuesday, the Chilean Catholic Church suspended 14 priests in the city of Rancagua for 'improper conduct', a new development in the region's growing religious crisis as it still continues to recover from the sexual abuse charges that has been pinned to the church authorities.
The suspensions were announced after the 68 priests of the diocese of Rancagua met to discuss the issue.
According to Rancagua's Vicar General Gabriel Becerra, "Precautionary measures have been adopted."
In another statement, the Diocese of Rancagua reported that the information regarding the case was sent to a prosecutor's office and that the antecedents were sent to the Vatican.
"We deeply regret any act or situation that violates the values and principles that underpin our Catholic Church and we want to express our solidarity with the victims."
This case adds to the current sexual abuse scandal rocking the Chilean church as a former priest had been found guilty of abusing boys in Santiago in the 70s and 80s and it is said high ranking Chilean church authorities have covered for the disgraced priest. The Vatican had also announced on Tuesday that the Pope will be meeting another group of victims who have been abused by the disgraced priest on June 1 to 3.
