Argentina: They arrest a priest accused of repeated abuses

The Bishop of Quilmes (Argentina), Mons. Carlos José Tissera, reported That Fr. Franco Lütens was arrested on Monday, June 9, accused of repeated sexual abuse, by order of the Court of Guarantees No. 4 of the Judicial Department of Quilmes.

The 61 -year -old presbyter has been accused of “sexual abuse and repeated aggravated for being committed by a minister of cult,” says the newspaper Clarion. In addition, citing judicial sources, the medium specifies that “the crimes of Lütens would have been committed during the exercise of pastoral role” against three catechists.

Bishop Tissera confirmed that the priest was arrested for the possible imputation in a crime, and recalled that “following the serious complaints spread on social networks and the finding of the beginning of the criminal case by justice”, in June 2024 the bishopric ordered “the departure of his function in the parish and of all pastoral activities”.

At that time, Fr. Lütens “was transferred to an address that was informed to Justice and where, on Monday, the search was carried out,” said Mons. Tissera.

He also lamented “deeply the suffering of affected people”, and made available to the diocesan team for the protection of vulnerable minors and adults, “to accompany them together with their families.”

The bishop also expressed his willingness to continue collaborating actively with justice.

“Father Bishop Tissera and the Auxiliary Bishop of Quilmes, Eduardo Redondo, are committed to the care of life and shelter of children, adolescents, young people and vulnerable adults,” the statement concludes.