Allegations of sexual misconduct involving Father Potoco Benavídez

In 2016, a man identified as MD sent a message to the then-Archbishop of Paraná, Juan Alberto Puiggari, detailing an incident of sexual harassment involving Father Carlos Alberto Potoco Benavídez.

According to the account, the incident occurred in the year 2000 while MD was preparing to enter the Major Seminary. During a confession at the San Cayetano parish, Benavídez allegedly moved the session to a private room and began asking highly inappropriate and sexual questions. The victim reported that the priest pressured him to expose himself, a situation that only ended when another priest, Blas Corvalán, unexpectedly entered the room.

MD stated that he later felt Benavídez was attempting to approach him again while he was in the Propedéutico stage of the seminary. The priest was eventually transferred to Río Negro, which the victim noted provided a sense of relief.