Fernando Karadima, a Chilean priest sentenced by the Vatican for sexual abuse, has died

(CNN Spanish) – This Sunday, Fernando Karadima, a former priest who was expelled from the Catholic Church after complaints of sexual and conscience abuse against minors and adults, died in Chile at the age of 90.

In the death certificate, published by the Civil Registry, it is indicated that the death occurred on Sunday at 9:21 p.m. in the commune of Macul, in the metropolitan region of Santiago. The certificate cites bronchopneumonia, kidney failure, diabetes and high blood pressure as causes.

In 2011, Karadima was found guilty by the Vatican on several counts of sexual abuse and sentenced to a life of penance and prayer. In September 2018, Pope Francis expelled him from the Archdiocese of Santiago. In the criminal sphere, he was not charged because the crimes had prescribed.

In a joint statement, some of Karadima’s victims – such as Juan Carlos Cruz, James Hamilton and José Andrés Murillo – stated: “Everything we had to say about Karadima has been said.” They added that they are at peace and will continue to advocate to prevent crimes of sexual abuse.