Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation from the pastoral governance of the diocese of Huacho (Peru) presented by Monsignor Antonio Santarsiero Rosa, O.S.I., as reported this Tuesday by the Holy See Press Office. The decision comes just over a month after the prelate turned 75, on June 13, the age at which canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation to the Pope. The Vatican statement offers no explanation regarding the acceptance of the resignation and makes no reference to the complaints that have come to light in recent months.
A resignation after months of controversy
The acceptance of the resignation comes three months after InfoVaticana revealed a complaint of alleged sexual abuse of a minor and a deacon against the prelate. Following the publication of the information, the Peruvian Episcopal Conference announced that Santarsiero was temporarily stepping down as secretary general of the episcopate to facilitate the clarification of the facts and confirmed the activation of the procedures provided for by canonical and civil law.
The bishop then rejected the accusations and stated that the reported facts were incompatible with his priestly and episcopal career.
More than two decades at the head of Huacho
Born in Italy on June 13, 1951, Antonio Santarsiero Rosa arrived in Peru in 1973 as a member of the Oblates of St. Joseph. He was ordained a priest in 1980, and St. John Paul II appointed him prelate bishop of Huari in 2001. Three years later, he was transferred to the diocese of Huacho, which he has governed since 2004.
In addition to his work leading the diocese, he held various positions within the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, culminating in his election as secretary general of the organization.
The diocese remains vacant
With the acceptance of the resignation by the Holy Father, the diocese of Huacho remains vacant until the appointment of a new bishop.