Argentine auxiliary bishop removed from office following allegations by 2 adults
Ricardo Seirutti was removed as auxiliary bishop and vicar general of Argentina’s Archdiocese of Córdoba after a canonical process prompted by allegations from two adults of conduct unbecoming his episcopal ministry. The Holy See’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith ordered the process, which was conducted by the Interdiocesan Tribunal of Buenos Aires; the nature of the allegations was not disclosed. For five years, Seirutti may not receive formal appointments or new offices or administer the sacrament of penance, but he may celebrate Mass and administer other sacraments. The Archdiocese of Córdoba expressed support for the affected persons and reaffirmed its commitment to conduct consistent with the Gospel.
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Ricardo Seirutti, an auxiliary bishop of Córdoba, Argentina, has been removed from his offices after a canonical judicial process prompted by complaints from two adults. The Archdiocese of Córdoba did not disclose the nature of the allegations; Seirutti may continue celebrating Mass and administering most sacraments, but faces restrictions for five years. 2
The archdiocese announced on Oct. 2 that Seirutti had been removed as auxiliary bishop and vicar general. It said the process was ordered by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and conducted by the Interdiocesan Tribunal of Buenos Aires. 2
The ruling bars Seirutti from receiving formal appointments or new offices and from administering the sacrament of penance, or confession, for five years. The Pillar reported an exception to the restriction on hearing confessions when a penitent is in danger of death. 2
Seirutti retains permission to celebrate Mass and administer the other sacraments. The archdiocese offered support to the people affected and said it remained committed to ensuring the Church’s actions accord with the Gospel.
The archdiocese said the case began with complaints by two adults alleging conduct unbecoming of Seirutti’s episcopal ministry. Neither the archdiocese nor the reports specify what conduct was alleged, and The Pillar reported that Seirutti had not publicly addressed the allegations. 2
The Pillar noted that the Doctrine of the Faith’s involvement covers penal matters reserved to the dicastery under canon law, including certain crimes against the faith and sacraments and the sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The nature of Seirutti’s case, however, has not been publicly identified. 2
Seirutti, 70, was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Córdoba in 1988 and appointed auxiliary bishop by Pope Francis in 2015.
The Pillar placed Seirutti’s removal amid a series of Argentine bishops leaving office before the usual retirement age of 75, while noting that the circumstances have varied. Its examples include bishops who resigned amid reported disputes, health reasons, allegations, or other controversies; in some cases, the reported reasons were later followed by legal findings or investigations. 2
The case comes shortly before Pope Leo XIV’s scheduled visit to Argentina from Nov. 8 to 11, including a stop in Córdoba. It is to be the first papal visit to the country since John Paul II’s 1987 trip. 2*
Episcopal accountability safeguards the integrity of ecclesial governance
Episcopal accountability safeguards ecclesial governance because authority in the Church is a ministry exercised for the flock, not a privilege placing its holder beyond scrutiny. The Synod warns that treating church leaders as if they were “above” accountability fosters clericalism, and says accountability should extend beyond cases of abuse to pastoral planning, evangelisation, respect for human dignity, and institutional working conditions.
This does not mean importing a secular separation of powers into the Church or denying a bishop’s proper authority. Bishops govern their dioceses with real responsibility, within universal Church law and communion with the Pope and the other bishops. But authority and safeguards are not opposites: fair procedures protect the rights of the faithful and can strengthen respect for a bishop’s authority.
Accountability is also rooted in the Church’s own tradition. The Synod points to Acts 11, where Peter explains his decision to the community, and calls for transparent follow-up and evaluation after decisions are made. Such evaluation need not be a personal condemnation; it can recognize what is working, identify areas for improvement, and help a local Church learn from experience.
In practice, safeguards can include functioning diocesan bodies, sound financial management and audits, regular evaluation, and procedures that respect canonical norms and people’s rights. Pope Benedict XVI urged bishops to make their dioceses models of transparency and good financial management, while the Synod calls for locally appropriate accountability processes that draw on relevant expertise, including that of laypeople. The aim is not merely administrative confidence: it is to help ensure that episcopal governance remains credible, just, and faithful to the Church’s mission.