Priest Alejandro Nicola celebrates mass amid child‑abuse scandal in Córdoba

Alejandro Nicola, a Catholic priest from Villa Carlos Paz in Córdoba Province, Argentina, has been accused of sexually abusing children at the parish kindergarten "Niño Dios". The investigation, opened in May 2025, includes eight formal complaints and a court appearance scheduled for 31 July.

Despite being removed from his role at the kindergarten and under investigation, Nicola reappeared on the altar of the Cathedral of Córdoba, celebrating Mass alongside parish priest Javier Soteras. Archbishop Ángel Rossi said there is no explicit prohibition preventing Nicola from assisting in liturgical duties, though he admitted he was unaware of Nicola’s participation in the ceremony. The cathedral issued a statement that Nicola is not suspended from priestly ministry and emphasized the presumption of innocence while the canonical and civil inquiries proceed. Families of the alleged victims have expressed outrage over his public presence.

The case has sparked public debate about the Catholic Church’s handling of abuse allegations and the rights of victims in Argentina.