A Roman Catholic bishop in southern Peru has stepped down amid a Vatican-led investigation into allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing.

Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Ciro Quispe López on Sept. 24, 2025, following inquiries into alleged sexual misconduct and mismanagement of Church finances within the Territorial Prelature of Juli, as CNA reports.

The announcement came from the Vatican Press Office, stating that the Holy See had formally approved Bishop Quispe’s request to resign from his post in the highland region of southern Peru. At 51, Quispe is far younger than the customary retirement age for Catholic bishops, which typically occurs at 75.

Investigation Began After Local Reports Surfaced

The investigation into Quispe began in mid-2024 after several reports in Peruvian media raised concerns about his conduct. These included allegations involving inappropriate relationships with women, as well as possible financial improprieties within the prelature.

In July 2024, the apostolic nunciature in Peru disclosed that the Vatican had appointed Bishop Marco Antonio Cortez of Tacna and Moquegua as an apostolic visitor to examine the situation in Juli. The appointment signaled a formal step in launching an internal Church inquiry into the bishop’s actions.

Although the investigation has been underway for over a year, its findings have not been released to the public. There is no indication whether those results will eventually be shared.

Bishop Quispe Suggested Accusations Were Driven by Enemies

Quispe did not immediately respond to a request for comment after his resignation was announced. However, in prior statements dating back to 2024, he had acknowledged the existence of an investigation but declined to specify whether it was being led by ecclesiastical or civil authorities.

Speaking to a local newspaper in 2024, the bishop stated that “all these things” were under review and declined to elaborate, saying only that the process was ongoing. He reiterated these points during an interview with Crux, in which he claimed "malevolent forces" were behind the controversy surrounding him.

Despite his claims of unjust accusations, the Church has proceeded with an extended investigation and accepted his resignation without revealing any conclusions.

Juli’s Remote Location and Unique Challenges

The Territorial Prelature of Juli was established in 1957 and covers a sparsely populated area of the southern Andes region of Peru. The seat of the prelature, the city of Juli, sits more than 12,465 feet above sea level near the border with Bolivia, making pastoral operations particularly challenging.

Clergy working in remote regions such as Juli often serve both as spiritual leaders and administrative figures for local communities, where access to resources and oversight is limited. These conditions can elevate the responsibility—and the scrutiny—placed on leaders like Quispe.

Juli has historically been a key center for the Catholic Church in Peru's southern highlands, and the selection of its bishop is considered crucial for the region’s ecclesiastical direction and stability.

Clerical Background and Academic Credentials

Quispe was ordained a priest in 2001 and held various pastoral and academic roles within the Church before becoming bishop. He served as a parochial vicar at parishes in Cuzco and Lima and worked as a professor of biblical sciences at a Catholic university in the capital.

He holds advanced academic credentials, including a degree in biblical theology and a doctorate in biblical sciences from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. These qualifications helped support his rise within the Church hierarchy.

He was appointed bishop in late 2018 by Pope Francis, when then-Bishop Robert Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—was head of the Diocese of Chiclayo in northern Peru.

Next Steps and Leadership Transition

As of now, no successor has been announced to lead the Territorial Prelature of Juli. The Vatican’s focus appears to remain on concluding its investigation and ensuring continuity of leadership within the troubled jurisdiction.

The Church has not indicated whether criminal charges will be pursued or if any civil investigations are underway, leaving much of the situation’s legal status unclear. It is also unknown whether Quispe will retain any role within the Church moving forward.

Until more information is released, the case remains a notable example of the Vatican confronting allegations against a sitting bishop, particularly in a remote but culturally significant part of Latin America.