Supreme Court in La Plata (source: Wikimedia Commons)

A court has ordered the arrest of Argentine Catholic priest Julio Cesar Grassi after he violated the restrictions of his conditional freedom related to his conviction, in 2009, for indecently assaulting a minor in his custody.

Originally convicted in 2009 after 17 cases of child abuse were brought against him, the sentence was ratified in 2010, but Grassi remains free because his defense appealed the decision before the Supreme Court of the Province Buenos Aires.

Grassi breached the terms of his bail last year when he entered the “Fundación Felices Los Niños”, where the abuse took place. He was also forbidden to refer publicly to the children who had reportedly suffered abuse, which he did so in a television interview.

Judge Fabián Cardoso concluded that given Grassi has breached two terms of his freedom, he should be arrested. “Julio César Grassi has impeached his rights and should an warrant for his arrest should be issued,” he said.

Grassi only spent two months in prison before being freed after his original sentencing. “Procedurally it is a step in the right direction because it confirms that Grassi is indeed guilty,” said Gallego.

Grassi’s defense team has up to 20 days to appeal before he is sent to continue serving his sentence in prison. The priest was under suspicions since 2002 when an investigative television program on Channel 13 broadcast a report airing complaints against the owner of the “Fundación Felices Los Niños”, regarding the molestation of minors.

Jorge Bergoglio, former Archibishop of Buenos Aires has been named the 266th leader of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Francis. He is the first Latin American to hold the title, and is the first non-European pope in 1,200 years. He is also the first Jesuit to hold the position.

The news led to surprise and delight from across Latin America at recognition that the continent with the highest number of Catholics in the world had finally been recognised by the Vatican.

Buenos Aires catholics celebrate in the Cathedral at Plaza de Mayo. (Photo: Beatrice Murch)

President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner responding positively to the news, confirmed she would attend the inauguration mass on 19th March, and wished the new pope a “fruitful pastoral mission” from a press conference at Technopolis.

The 76-year-old was ordained to the priesthood in 1969, attending a seminary in San Miguel, Buenos Aires. He progressed through the ranks of the Church, and was named Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. Pope John Paul II created him a Cardinal in 2001.

The news is not, however, without controversy, due to the role he is said to have played in last military dictatorship (1976-83), in which an estimated 30,000 people were killed and disappeared. The Argentine Church in general, and Bergoglio in his role as supervisor of the local Jesuit Order, has been accused of ignoring the plight of the victims of the military junta, despite victims and their relatives giving first hand accounts of kidnappings, torture, and deaths.

Positions on Social Issues: 

- Opposed to abortion and euthanasia, describing the pro-choice movement as a “culture of death”

- Adheres to official Church position of acceptance on homosexuality, but opposes same-sex marriage. He unsuccessfully lobbied against Argentina’s same-sex marriage law, which was ultimately passed in 2010.

- On issues of poverty, in 2009 he said that the “unjust economic structures that give rise to great inequalities” are violations of human rights, and has spoken out in support of workers strikes in the past.

Pope Benedict XVI lands in Latin America tomorrow, starting a tour through Mexico and Cuba to visit some of the faith’s most active hubs.

This is the Pope’s second visit to Latin America – he visited Brazil in 2007 – and his first to Spanish-speaking countries in the region.

Local media are reporting that he will have some big shoes to fill. John Paul II was always a huge draw wherever he went, and he visited every Latin American country at least once.

“A ghost will follow Pope Benedict XVI at every step during his trip to Mexico and Cuba: that of his predecessor, John Paul II,” Mexico’s Informador led in their story about the visit.

The outlet, based out of Guadalajara, reported that John Paul – who died in 2005 – attracted large crowds of all peoples in Ecuador, challenged the guerrillas in the Peruvian highlands and defended the rights of miners in Bolivia.

La Prensa Latina, based in Cuba, also announced today that they would be providing “comprehensive coverage” of the visit, including reports from a team in Mexico.

“The monitoring of the Supreme Pontiff’s activities, both in Mexico and the Caribbean island, include briefing notes, photos, TV pieces, radio materials, photojournalism and daily summaries,” the agency noted.

La Información, based in Spain, reported that the Vatican’s Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone said the visit will ”help the process towards democracy and open new spaces of presence and activity (for the church)” in Cuba. The Pope is set to land in Cuba on Monday.

Last week, in anticipation of the visit, protesters occupied a Catholic church in Havana; they were peacefully removed by police 48 hours after they began their protest. Members of the “Ladies in White” protest group were also arrested over the weekend, but released Sunday.

Thirteen protestors who were occupying a church in Havana in advance of a papal visit to Cuba were peacefully removed by police Thursday.

This particular protest began Wednesday, when the 13 dissidents of various political stripes entered the Church of our Virgin of Charity in central Havana. Other churches have also been occupied across the country, with protestors trying to raising awareness about freedom for political prisoners, freedom of expression, freedom of movement and improved salaries, among other issues.

An archdiocese spokesperson said the dissidents were removed at the request of Cardinal Jaime Ortega.

Over the past two years, led by Ortega, Cuba’s church has helped negotiate the release of prisoners and eased government repression against opposition groups. The church felt differently about this instance of protest, however.

“Nobody has the right to convert churches into political trenches,” said a statement from the Church in Havana.

The church group had been asked to leave voluntarily. Although police intervened, there was no resistance, according to the spokesperson. The police went unarmed at the request of the Church, who asked that the dissidents be taken home and not processed.

Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to arrive on 26th March.

Thirteen dissidents of various political parties entered and occupied a Roman Catholic church in Havana on Wednesday. The group now awaits the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI on 26th March in hopes of securing support for reforms to the Cuban government.

Apart from the Church of our Virgin of Charity in central Havana, various churches throughout the country were occupied Tuesday in a coordinated strategy to elicit the attention of the Catholic Church.

“We’re doing it prior to the coming of the pope because we don’t want any other thing except that the Vatican hears it,” said Vladimir Calderon Frias, executive director the National Republican Party who is among the 13 dissidents.

The occupations are targeted at obtaining freedom for political prisoners, freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and improved salaries, among other issues.

In the past two years, the Church in Cuba, led by Cardinal Jaime Ortega, has helped negotiate the release of prisoners and eased government repression against opposition groups such as Ladies in White.

In this case, however, Churches affected by the occupations are unhappy with the strategy, calling dissidents “illegitimate and irresponsible” for hijacking religious establishments for political gain.

“Nobody has the right to convert churches into political trenches,” said a statement from the Church in Havana.

One church in eastern Holguin province has already expelled a group of 25 dissidents, while another group in Las Tunas were detained prior to entering their target church. As of now, the Church of our Virgin of Charity remains at the fore of the movement.

In Havana, many government supporters have reacted with hostility toward the dissidents, staging counterprotests to denounce the occupations.

“These people are confused,” said Herberto Serrano, a retiree who supports President Raul Castro and the legacy of the 1959 revolution. “These people are of low cultural level, because he who has no culture is the only one that can go against the country and the revolution.”

The dissidents now await the arrival of the pope following a three-day visit to Mexico.

Talks about abortion legalisation were today postponed by Congress until after the elections. This was due to the controversial nature of the subject.

A request put in by members of various parties delayed the sessions to discuss the possible regularisation of the practice, which were originally due to start today, until the first of November.

Two bills seek to allow voluntary abortion, while five amendments to article 86 of the criminal code aim to provide exceptions to the prohibition.

Representatives of the Catholic, Orthodox and Evangelical church have already expressed their rejection of this debate through a document entitled “Commitment to Life.”

Adrian has kindly given over some space to Eric Murray for his first-hand account of a trip to Iglesia Universal. Note: The goal of this piece is not to discredit the Iglesia Universal or disrespect its many followers. It is just a description what goes on within the church’s walls. The reader will be the ultimate judge (guided by a little of my subjectivity, of course).

Any porteño driving down Av. Corrientes Avenue will have certainly noticed a large white building that resembles a Greek temple. The Templo de la Fe (Temple of Faith), located on Corrientes 4070, in Almagro, catches the eye of anyone who’s passing by. It is a huge structure that draws attention during the day because of its imposing façade, which is illuminated conspicuously by night.

The temple boasts over 25 “masses” every week, with a wide variety of starting times so any one can find the time to attend, on any day.

Sunday morning is a special time of the week. The 10am mass is apparently the most important one and no one wants to miss it. So we head off to the temple hoping to have our very own religious experience.

The street feels alive that morning. Vendors keep walking up and down the avenue selling roses and other flowers, Jesus-themed regalia and even facturas so anyone can have a hearty breakfast before entering the building.

Several security guards wearing black suits and black ties, along with shades and a walkie talkie, keep staring at the public going through the doors of the temple. Their purpose there isn’t really clear and they  look more like bouncers at a nightclub that the typical sweet old greeter expected to be standing at the entrance of a church.

Another man in plain clothes is also looking around, staring at everyone’s faces. This man’s purpose, according to others who have tried going undercover before, is to identify first timers and find out the reason of their visit If their intentions are (deemed) legitimate(meaning, they are not after a story), he will find a way to make them join the congregation. Hard to believe that a man has the ability to remember thousands of faces, but according to several colleagues he has been able to spot in the crowd, he does.

As a fellow journalist – pretending to be my wife – and I walk by his side and enter the temple, we hear the man saying ‘hello’ from behind us, trying to catch our attention. We intentionally ignore him and keep walking straight, until we enter the grand salon where the ceremony takes place.

The view is certainly impressive.

The stage, tackily decorated with Greek architecture and religious paintings, has only a simple podium with a microphone and a couch. Behind them, there’s a swimming pool in which “baptisms” take place from time to time. Everything is under a very, very high ceiling.

The same Brazilian man from TV steps up and says hello in  casual Spanish with a strong accent. Dressed in a white tuxedo, he resembles a southern preacher from the United States.   The large crowd – which I estimate is close to 800 people – cheers and salutes him.

And without further ado, the ceremony begins.

“Did you remember to bring your envelope?” the preacher asks. Hundreds of people raise their arms in response, showing him in return a small, white envelope. “Well, come on over then!” he says, as people start leaving their seats and standing in line in front of him. One by one, they walk up the steps to the podium and throw their envelopes into several black,  industrial-sized garbage bags. I ask an old lady standing next to me what the envelopes contain, thinking that she’ll tell me they are letters to God.

“Money,” she replies with a smile.

Or in church jargon, “donations.”

For almost 20 minutes, it’s all about the line and dropping the money in the bags. By the time it’s over, several assistants are needed to move them, since they are fat and heavy with cash.

“It’s our first time, so we didn’t know we were supposed to bring money” I tell the lovely lady. “Don’t worry,” she smiles back. “Just don’t forget the next time”.

As the bouncers carry the bags into a small door behind the stage, two sentinels with unfriendly faces take up guard duty outside.. I guess no one is going to be getting any crazy ideas about taking some envelopes for themselves.

Next  on the agenda is the Iglesia Universal’s raison d’être: to preach on the benefits of worshipping the Holy Ghost.  As the preacher on stage gets emotional, he asks everyone to approach him, and like bees to an  empty bottle of Pepsi, they begin their procession. The pastor then starts uttering a series of sentences, which, in all honesty, allsound the same, and asks us to close our eyes and open our arms to let the Holy Ghost enter our bodies.

With his thick, raspy voice, he says we must “allow for the Holy Ghost to pierce our hearts, because if we don’t let the Holy Ghost pierce our hearts we will be sorry we didn’t let the Holy Ghost pierce our hearts and the Holy Ghost will be mad we didn’t let the Holy Ghost pierce our hearts.”

And no, I am not kidding.

For over half an hour he keeps repeating the same sentence over and over. As my back begins to hurt for standing for such a long time in the same position, people around me begin sobbing and moaning.  I realize this is most important part of the two-hour ceremony, and I’m missing it because my eyes are closed.

So I decide to sneak a peek and slowly open my eyes. The view is surreal. Hundreds of people stand around me in a trance, talking to themselves, painfully crying in agony for all the current suffering in their lives while blowing their noses and drying their tears.  They ask God why he has forsaken them.

If I weren’t such a cynic, I would even dare to say they seem truly possessed by the Holy Ghost, all joining hands in collective, heart-breaking sadness.

And I realize these people aren’t here because they are devout Christians or avid church goers. No, the truth is these people are desperate.  They need someone to tell them that everything is going to be ok. And to have someone who claims to represent that which you believe in is a palliative enough to make you hopeful, at least until next Sunday.

As I’m still observing the people around me, my fakewife begins squeezing my shoulder.

Something is wrong.

As I look up, I realize two of the pseudo-bouncers are staring at us,making some  unfriendly gestures. In our effort to observe as much as we could, we hadn’t realized that we were the only two in a group of 800 people whose eyes were wide open.

As the preacher ends his speech and we all return to our seats, I feel like a big red bull’s-eye is now on my forehead.

“I have to go to the restroom, do you know where it is?” my (fake) wife asks. I don’t.

But just like that, the nice lady who was sitting next to us enters the conversation and kindly offers to chaperone her to the ladies room. We exchange looks, unable to discuss the possible dangers of such a bold proposal, but in the end stay in character. “Thank you very much,” I reply, and I offer a nod to my wife, hoping she will be careful.

As she leaves, the Brazilian preacher announces the time to celebrate in Holy Communion, for which ushers start handing out small bread buns and plastic cups containing something that I hope is wine, since I’m sure a little alcohol is going to help  release the tension mounting up inside me.

Unfortunately, it’s only grape juice.

Worse, grape juice from concentrate and extremely disgusting.

We eat, we drink, we pray, we sing.

And as the Communion ends, I realize it’s been fifteen minutes since my wife left for the restroom.

As I begin to fear for the worst, I decide it’s too late for her and start eyeing for the closest emergency exit.But before I canbolt, she returns, still with the nice lady by her side.

“Everything ok, love?” I ask.

“Hmm-hmm,” she replies without even looking at me.

I notice the old lady has a small notepad in her hand with information on my wife written all over it. And that’s the reason why this silver haired Mata Hari was so friendly: she wanted information.

“Your wife has told me all about you,” she says, menacingly. “And before you leave, I’d like you two to meet the preacher.”

I swallow hard, since we’ve just been told we’re going to meet the (local branch) puppet master.

“It’s time for me to bless your families!” the preacher says, and asks everyone to raise the photos of their children, their parents, grandparents and friends in general. Of course, for those people to be really blessed, their photos must be nicely framed in the Iglesia Universal’s Photo Album™, like something out of Disneyland.

No photo album, no blessing. Simple as that.

So we finally get to the last part, in which the preacher, as he “always does,” tells the story of the Good Samaritan. “Always remember to help others,” he says. “And what better way to help those in need than telling them to come here?” he asks, as assistants hand out the “Good Samaritan flyer”, which urges those in need who still have not joined the Iglesia Universal to do so immediately.

People begin to leave and my (fake) wife and I head towards the door, in an effort to get out of there as soon as possible. But the persistent lady reminds us that before leaving we must meet the preacher.

we exchange glances and realize it may be best not to stand out from the crowd and we agree to a short conversation with him.

As we walk down the aisle towards the stage, the lady asks me why it is we waited for so long to join the church. I try to come up with the best possible answer and blame my catholic parents, “who are against it.”

“Well I’m sorry to be the one that tells you this,” she says, “but I’m afraid your parents have been possessed by the devil and that’s the reason why they are trying to keep you away from us.”

And just like that, without any preambles, she has just told me my mom is Satan (I had somewhat suspected it all my life but never thought I would find out about it here).

As we approach the main stage, I feel as if we’re entering the lion’s den.

The old lady tells us to wait in line to meet the Preacher, and as we do so, we notice several assistants greeting other parishioners as well. Some people are crying, others just look desolate, their gaze lost in a sea of sadness.The helpers are telling them that, if they keep coming every week, eventually they will find salvation.

It’s our turn and the Preacher greets us with a smile. “It’s a pleasure to have you both here for the first time,” he says. “As you can see, this is a great place for the whole family,” he adds, although I’m having trouble paying attention to him since only two meters away from us an assistant is performing an exorcism on a woman. Her demonic voice sendsshivers down my spine.

“All done!” the assistant says, as the woman grabs her purse and leaves.

After he blesses us and lets us know of the entire weekly Schedule, he lets us go. We begin walking down the aisle, looking miserable on our way out. We reach the sunlight. We’re free.

However, the people coming here more than two or three times a week are not.

After experiencing two intense hours in front of a Brazilian charlatan who promised desperate people that the only possible road to salvation is through him, it’s very hard for me to find any positive aspects in the Iglesia Universal, although I’m sure many of its parishioners beg to differ.

So if you ever walk by the attractive façade of the Iglesia Universal and decide to venture in because you’re either religious or insane, make sure you at least keep these helpful tidbits in mind.

God only knows when you might need them.

When I found out there was a gospel choir presenting a show in Buenos Aires innocently googling one afternoon, my first presumption was that it was a group coming over from the US. To my surprise, I found out that this all-Argentine choir is home-grown here in BA and sings entirely in English.

This really caught my attention because the popular music market in Argentina is largely built around classic Brit and US rock (The Beatles and Queen are huge still), 80s tunes, Latin American pop, reggaeton, cumbia and of course, tango. Buenos Aires has an appreciation and clear acknowledgement of jazz and blues, but when it comes to gospel, there has been little to no recognition. The average Argentine, when asked about the genre, will more often than not give you a slightly baffled look, as to say what are you on about? For the general public gospel culture didn´t exist in Argentina, and for those who knew about it, it still remained very distant. This was until recently of course.

Photo courtesy of El Coro Gospel de Argentina

El Coro Gospel in concert.

El Coro Gospel de Argentina is the first full concert gospel choir in South America bringing the music to Buenos Aires. Their director Natalia Welbey explains, “Argentina doesn’t have great access to a wide variety of music genres and cultures, so we are trying to break that mould.”

The Debut: Teatro IFT

Their debut concert was to be performed in the Teatro IFT in December of 2009, close to the heart of theatreland in central BA. Teatro IFT is an independent theatre, and has been an influential spot for drama performances over the years, but more recently has become better known as a music venue, especially since celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2007. It hosts a wide variety of gigs, from national and international music acts, ranging from classic tango solo artists to fusion jazz bands. It was to be an interesting evening as it was the first time the theatre had received a gospel act to their stage.

The IFT performance was the first time the choir performed as an established concert choir, and they certainly showed their strength by putting on a rhythmic and musically dynamic show. The concert was excellent. It took a few songs for it to get going, but throughout there was a vibrant, emotional energy going around the theatre.

The choir was dressed in robes fit to represent traditional gospel style, with each member using a unique headband/scarf in their own way to reflect their personality. The music they performed was a mixture of classic gospel songs, such as “Again I say Rejoice”, but counterbalanced with popular soul songs like “I Believe I can Fly” to keep the audience enticed. Franco Gandullo, the choir´s producer explained, “The concert repertoire is designed to express the power of gospel through the use of traditional songs, but at the same time we include some well-known soul songs, adapted to a gospel style to give the show more spark.”

The main solos of the night were performed by Natalia and co-director Felipe Herrera; however there were some special guests singing that night, such as Roxana Amed and some members of the choir. Natalia’s incredible vocal range made for a truly moving performance.

I Believe I Can Fly with Natalia Welbey – sample

The choir was accompanied by their live band with a very special guest; the Oscar nominated Bob Telson, a successful solo pianist and songwriter from the US. He accompanied Natalia in an interpretation of Stevie Wonder’s, ‘Love’s in Need of Love Today’, which was spectacularly moving. To have an internationally recognised artist performing with them marked great importance for the choir.

For the audience it was the first time many of them had seen a live gospel choir. The concert certainly didn’t disappoint though, and by the end of the show they received a standing ovation with almost everyone in the audience dancing and singing along.

The Roots of Argentine Gospel Music

Argentina’s first accredited gospel singing group was set up by producer Franco Gandullo seven years ago when he was living in Córdoba.  They went under the name Córdoba Gospel Choir, successfully touring across Argentina singing gospel in English for six years until the end of 2008. It was then that their focus changed and thus, became the Córdoba Gospel Singers respectively.

Photo by Pavel Ezrohi

Welbey and Gandullo at rehearsal.

They were the pioneers of gospel in Argentina, establishing a small amount of recognition abroad when they performed alongside New York City’s ‘The Harlem Gospel Choir’ in 2006. They have released three albums so far and have been known to be the first gospel group to break boundaries in Argentina. However, to this day, they’re still not hugely recognised in Buenos Aires.

Franco moved away from Córdoba, his curiosity and creativity leading him to Buenos Aires in the hope of expanding Argentina’s knowledge and appreciation of gospel. The dream and idea to set up a large concert gospel choir had been on the cards for a while.

In 2008 he took part in the production of a four month-long Gospel workshop: ‘Gospel: La experiencia‘ the first of its kind in South America, alongside Gabriel Grätzer, a renowned country blues musician often referred to as the “The Argentine ambassador for blues”. This is where they met Natalia Welbey, long-time professional gospel, soul and jazz singer; the vocal tecnique trainer in the workshop. It was during these months that Franco and Natalia came together to create ‘El Coro Gospel de Argentina’.

Breaking Boundaries: Culture, Race, Religion, Musical Style and Language.

“We definitely grab people´s attention,” said Franco whilst telling me about their uniqueness. “We are an all-white, Latin-American gospel choir whose native language is Spanish, but singing African-American music in English. Sounds a bit crazy doesn´t it?” he said.

The genre was new to everyone involved and was bound to cause difficulties along the way. As they were representing a style that was alien to them, I asked Natalia how they went about it.

“When Franco and I set up the choir, we realised that there were a lot of things we were going to have to do to be able to interpret gospel in an authentic way, so we hired a coach to teach us how to incorporate Afro-movement into the songs, in rehearsal and in the shows.”

Their idea was always to stay as true to gospel roots as possible; they have also had professors in the history of gospel working with the choir. Their rehearsals are also particularly interesting, as unlike a classic choir rehearsal where they´d have their sheet music, strictly following each part along the ledger lines; this is completely different. The choir parts learn the music aurally and using call and response, where Natalia sings what she wants sung a capella, and the choir respond.

Gospel music was of course, born in the church. Many international concert choirs are carrying a religious message along with the music they sing. Franco and Natalia made it clear that you don´t have to be religious to sing in the choir or to be able to appreciate the music.

“We are about uniting people spiritually through the music we sing, whilst being faithful to the origins of the music,” said Natalia. “We are breaking barriers, past religious and racial stereotypes. It´s about goodwill and the spirit of the music”.

Victory – sample

Photos by Pavel Ezrohi

A spirited rehearsal

2010 and future projects

In the changeover to 2010 the production team was looking to expand the choir and auditioned more to join. It now consists of a monumental 90 singers, coming from all walks of life and professions. There are plans to expand the repertoire and musical creativity through contact with gospel musicians from the US, and hopes to travel and do tours in the future.

The production team along with the 90-strong choir rehearses once a week in a church in the heart of downtown BA. Pianist Marco Gnoatto accompanies the singers. True dedication is evident in this choir, as some of their singers come from miles away, having to travel for hours for the opportunity to sing there. For many of those involved, singing in the choir has changed their lives. Choir member Silvia Cryan mentioned, “I have been able to liberate my voice like I never would have believed possible through singing gospel, it´s my lifelong dream made into a reality.”

El Coro Gospel de Argentina is The Gospel choir of the Southern hemisphere. Be sure to check out their website: http://elcorogospel.com.ar

Upcoming events for 2010:

April 29th, 7pm at Feria del Libro, La Rural: The choir has been invited by the US Embassy in Buenos Aires to celebrate ‘USA day’ at the famous book fair. Entry by invitation.

May 28th, 9pm at Catedral Anglicana de Buenos Aires, 25 de Mayo 282 – Open concert with free entry.

Date to be confirmed: September @ Teatro Coliseo, La Plata, Buenos Aires

26th and 27th November, 9.30pm at Teatro IFT · Capital, Buenos Aires

President of Paraguay, Fernando Lugo, 57, admitted this morning to fathering a child whilst he was still a Roman Catholic Bishop.

Mr Lugo, who has been president since August 2008, revealed in a press conference today that he had an intimate relationship with Viviana Carrillo, a woman 31 years his junior.

He says he recognises his paternity to the one-year-old boy and adds, “I assume all responsibilities having to do with the fact that I had a relationship with Ms. Carrillo.”

The paternity suit, which was initially filed last Wednesday, was dismissed by a spokesman for the president as a smear campaign, whilst members of his cabinet claimed “it must be false”.

The president’s lawyer, Marcos Fariña, confirmed this afternoon that the necessary legal procedures were underway for the president to formally acknowledge his relationship to the boy.

The leftist leader resigned as bishop of the San Pedro province in 2004. The Pope initially said that he would always remain a bishop under church law, but eventually relieved him of his vows in July.

Liz Torres, minister of children and adolescents in Paraguay has praised the president’s honesty, stating “it was the correct thing to do”, yet was unwilling to comment on the implications of Mr Lugo’s former religious position.

According to Ms Carrillo’s lawyer, Claudio Kostinochok, the child’s mother has now distanced herself from the case following the media attention, but previously stated that the boy was named Guillermo Armindo, after the ex-bishop’s grandfather.

The boy, who will turn two in May, was born five months after Mr Lugo abandoned the church to pursue a career in politics.

The prosecution has asked that the priest accused of sexually abusing three boys be given a sentence of 30 years.  

Prosecutor Alejandro Valera concluded his arguments against Father Julio César Grassi during a hearing yesterday. He ended the case with an order for a sentence of 30 years imprisonment. He also sought for Grassi’s immediate arrest because he believes, “there is a risk that the priest will flee”.

Grassi is currently on trail for 13 acts of sexual abuse of minors and indecent assault, three acts of corruption of the minors and one count of aggravated threats against a complainant.

The victims involved are three young boys who were in the care of the priest while they were housed at the Felices los Niños Foundation located in Hurlingham.

Two of the boys made their allegations in 2002, while the third joined them in 2006. Their identities have been kept anonymous as part of the witness protection programme and they are known by the pseudonyms Gabriel, Ezekiel and Luis.

The trial, which went to the Oral Criminal Court No. 1 of Morón, has been going on for eight months.

The prosecution have had five hearings to establish their case against the priest. “In no way is this lawsuit against the Church or the foundation. Here we are judging the criminal acts of Grassi,” said Valera to the press after yesterday’s hearing.

“The watchdog of the herd was a wolf who kept to himself,” he added about Grassi.

Valera has also said that all the allegations were solidly proven at trial and that Grassi’s argument of a “conspiracy” against him has been discredited.

A representative of the Public Ministry said that there is much evidence against the priest. He added that “the testimonies of the three victims have been maintained throughout the debate. Psychological and psychiatric experts have maintained this position and determined that the victims are not fabricating their story or inventing a history of abuse.”

Counsel Daniel Cavo, who heads Grassi’s defence, has yet to present his argument.

He expressed that he was not surprised at the order for sentencing. He explained that they expected this result, but that they believe there is a good chance at absolution. He described the prosecution’s arguments as biased and incomplete.

At the conclusion of yesterday’s hearing, Grassi told the press that if the prosecution had called for “one year instead of 30, it would have still been equally painful [for him]”. He reiterated that he is “totally innocent”.

“I do not see anything other than an acquittal,” he said. “I am confident that my defence is going to technically demolish the words of the prosecutor.”

The court is expected to present its ruling on the case in May.