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Scandal in Córdoba: Priest removed for alleged sexual abuse at kindergarten reappears leading mass in the Cathedral
🇦🇷 Argentina /Crime & Justice

Scandal in Córdoba: Priest removed for alleged sexual abuse at kindergarten reappears leading mass in the Cathedral

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A priest in Córdoba, Argentina, who was removed from his position due to alleged sexual abuse at a kindergarten, reappeared leading mass at the city's Cathedral.
  • The priest, Alejandro Nicola, was previously removed from his role at the Niño Dios kindergarten in Villa Carlos Paz following accusations.
  • The reappearance has angered parents of alleged victims, who have been seeking justice for over a year, while the Archdiocese stated there is no explicit prohibition against his participation in services.

A priest removed from his position due to alleged sexual abuse at a kindergarten has reappeared, this time concelebrating mass at the main Cathedral in Córdoba, Argentina. Alejandro Nicola, formerly the director of the Margarita A. de Paz kindergarten, known as Niño Dios, in Villa Carlos Paz, was sidelined following accusations of abuse.

His presence at the Cathedral, where he accompanied parish priest Javier Soteras and read from the Bible, has ignited outrage among the parents of alleged victims. These parents have been demanding action and justice for over a year. Feligreses recognized Nicola and shared photos of his participation, which were published by local media.

It's a mockery of what has happened. We are indignant. Here, in Villa Carlos Paz, he no longer held masses, but we see him in the main church of the province. We are analyzing what we are going to do.

— One of the parents who filed a complaintThe parent expressed outrage and frustration over the priest's reappearance in a prominent church role while facing abuse allegations.

The Archdiocese of Córdoba, represented by Archbishop Ángel Rossi, stated that there is no explicit rule preventing Nicola from participating in services alongside another priest. Rossi acknowledged that Nicola is under investigation but emphasized the principle of innocence. However, he admitted he was unaware of Nicola's appearance at the ceremony.

The monster is tearing my skin off.

— Second alleged victimThis phrase, uttered in a nightmare, alerted the family of a second alleged victim to potential abuse.

In June, the Archdiocese had announced Nicola's removal from the Niño Dios community for "pastoral reasons" while the investigation proceeded. Nicola is scheduled for psychological evaluations next Friday as part of the ongoing judicial process. One parent expressed deep indignation, calling the situation a "mockery" and questioning why Nicola, who no longer held services in Villa Carlos Paz, was now appearing in the provincial capital's main church. Parents are considering their next steps.

The first of eight judicial complaints against the priest was filed in May 2025, with others following. The initial complaint involved a minor who experienced physical symptoms and remains in shock. Another alleged victim's family became concerned after the child had nightmares and spoke cryptically about "the monster." Investigations, including psychological assessments, revealed patterns of alleged abuse, with children mentioning being watched and followed. One child, shown a photo of Nicola, reportedly reacted with fear, stating, "He is the one who watches us through the cameras and follows us with the drones."

He is the one who watches us through the cameras and follows us with the drones.

— Alleged victimThe child identified the priest from a photograph and described perceived surveillance, leading to a formal complaint.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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