PERU – Ciro Quispe López, the 51-year-old bishop of Juli in Peru, has resigned following allegations that he maintained relationships with 17 secret mistresses.

The scandal reportedly came to light after his cleaning lady accidentally received explicit photos and videos he intended to send to the women

She promptly filed a complaint with the Catholic Church, triggering a Vatican investigation.

Peruvian journalist Paola Ugaz described the situation as a “real soap opera,” involving jealousy, manipulation, and multiple confrontations among the women.

One nun, allegedly involved with López, leaked details after growing jealous of a lawyer who was also romantically linked to him.

Many of the women were reportedly too afraid to come forward due to López’s influence and power within the Church.

Despite mounting evidence, including voice notes, photos, and videos reviewed by the Vatican, López denies the allegations and claims he is a victim of a defamation campaign by “dark hands.”

In a separate accusation, López is also being investigated for embezzling church funds.

He allegedly diverted church property, including furniture, to support a restaurant business called Patas Arriba, in which he had a financial stake.

The restaurant’s name, which translates to “legs in the air,” added sensationalism to an already explosive case.

The Vatican accepted his resignation last month, over 20 years before the mandatory retirement age for bishops.

The case has drawn widespread criticism and raised serious questions about power abuse and accountability in the Catholic Church.