Jesuits expel Francesc Peris for sexual abuse of minors

The Society of Jesus has expelled Francesc Josep Peris Boixeda from both the clerical state and the religious order following a canonical penal process. The decision, communicated on October 5, 2026, follows findings that Peris committed sexual abuse against minors.

The canonical process found that Peris committed various offenses against the sixth commandment involving minors starting at least in the 1970s. According to InfoVaticana, Peris is 84 years old and is accused of abusing at least 22 children between 1974 and 2005 during his ministry in Spain and Bolivia. While Spanish justice previously declined to prosecute the cases due to the statute of limitations, the religious order's decision permanently removes him from exercising priestly ministry.

Superior General Arturo Sosa signed the decree expelling Peris from the religious order. In making this decision, the Society of Jesus acknowledged grave errors in how it responded to the victims and accepted moral and institutional responsibility for its past actions.