The people of Paraguay, a nation that is 90% Catholic, are not at all happy to learn that their new president, Fernando Lugo, fathered a child less than two years ago. Lugo decided in 2006 to leave the church and start his political career, but the Vatican rejected his petition for layman’s status, saying his ordination was a lifelong sacrament. Meanwhile, Lugo, now 57, was having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old, Viviana Carrillo, who, several years later, became pregnant. But it was not until after the child was born that Pope Benedict XVI, unaware of Lugo’s secret life, made the unprecedented move of allowing Lugo to renounce his chastity vows. The president only came clean about the child after Carrillo filed a paternity suit.

 

Lugo’s election to the presidency in April 2008 shocked the political establishment of Paraguay, because he was the first person outside the long-ruling Colorado Party to take power in more than 60 years. He portrayed himself during the election campaign as an honest and humble man who spent 11 years living and working with peasants as a priest.

 

Political analyst Carlos Martino tried to downplay any talk of political backlash against Lugo over the scandal, arguing, “Surely he is not the first bishop with a child.”

-Noel Brinkerhoff, David Wallechinsky

 

President of Paraguay Had a Child as Bishop (by Alexei Barrionuevo, New York Times)

Paraguayan President’s Affair: She was 16 and He Was a Catholic Bishop (by Tyler Bridges, McClatchy)

Paraguayan Bishop-Turned-Prez Admits Paternity (by Pedro Servin, Associated Press)

America’s Top 53 Political Sex Scandals (Politicker)