43 women allege they were trafficked by Opus Dei

For decades, members of Opus Dei, a powerful Catholic organization with a global presence, allegedly trafficked dozens of girls in Argentina into domestic servitude. Survivors were recruited with promises of education and training, then forced into unpaid 12-hour workdays under strict control.

Survivors describe lives of control and unpaid labor

Claudia Carrero was just 13 years old in 1979 when Opus Dei took her to one of its schools, promising training in hotel management. Instead, the organization put her to work. She said:

They did not take me there to study, but to work, … I had no control over anything in my life. I had to ask for permission to call my parents, all our mail was read, we were not allowed to go out alone.

Carrero’s experience reflects those of 42 other women in Argentina. Opus Dei recruited them as minors from poor, rural families and forced them to work long days of domestic labor for elite male members.

The women’s testimonies also describe extreme control, from discouraged family visits to restrictions on what they were allowed to read. Many say they escaped with no money, no clothes, and no qualifications.

“All of us lived the same experiences,”

According to an article by The Guardian, federal prosecutors in Argentina have accused senior Opus Dei leaders in South America of overseeing the exploitation and trafficking of girls, adolescents, and women between 1972 and 2015. Prosecutors launched the investigation after hearing testimony from the women, but the case recently stalled when two witnesses delayed their testimonies.

The women’s lawyer, Sebastián Sal warns that exploitation of young girls and women from impoverished rural families may still be occurring today. Carrero said she has heard nearly identical stories from women in Mexico, Italy, Poland, Spain, Ireland, Peru, and Chile. Carrero continued:

All of us lived the same experiences, identical ones. That is no coincidence,

Opus Dei has denied the allegations. The organization says it categorically rejects the claims and states that it shares the goal of eliminating abuse within the Catholic Church and wider society.

Gathering for change

The allegations come as the Vatican reviews revised statutes governing Opus Dei. According to sources familiar with the case, Pope Leo privately encouraged organizers to hold an international conference in Buenos Aires. The event was the first of its kind for former Opus Dei members alleging servitude and trafficking.

The conference was hosted by Ending Clergy Abuse, a global network of survivors and human rights defenders. While the Vatican has not formally responded to the complaint, it is believed the case influenced earlier decisions to limit Opus Dei’s long-held privileges.

Investigative journalist Paula Bistagnino said the timing is critical, urging church authorities to take survivors’ testimonies seriously.

Many of the women are still fearful and anxious to speak. Still, they came forward with the hope that their testimonies will prevent others from suffering the same abuse. Carrero hopes the gathering will lead to real change.