World Church · November 8, 2026
Paraguayan bishops demand justice and transparency after Ueno Bank intervention
The Paraguayan Catholic Church has formally demanded justice and institutional transparency following the financial crisis triggered by the intervention of Ueno Bank. The bishops called for the protection of depositors and a thorough investigation into the political and financial irregularities that led to the collapse of the digital banking entity. This intervention by the religious leadership marks a significant escalation in the national response to the economic shock that has affected millions of citizens and public funds.
The crisis began on November 3 when the Central Bank of Paraguay intervened Ueno Bank, one of the country's main digital banking institutions. The regulatory body acted after determining that the bank's solvency index had fallen below fifty percent of the legal minimum requirement. This decision immediately left numerous clients without access to their accounts, sparking protests in the capital city of Asunción. The Central Bank characterized the event as a specific case rather than a generalized crisis of the entire financial system, although the scale of the disruption was substantial.
Ueno Bank served approximately 2.9 million clients and managed significant public resources, including funds linked to the Social Welfare Institute. The scandal has also placed the relationship between the bank and political power under investigation. President Santiago Peña, who was previously linked to the business group that owned the entity, denied committing any irregularities. He stated that he had divested his business interests in 2025. On November 5, the president announced his resignation while the Congress advanced a political trial based on alleged conflicts of interest. The Chamber of Deputies approved the accusation against Peña and sent it to the Senate for a final resolution.
The Paraguayan Episcopal Conference issued its statement on November 4 during its 250th Ordinary General Assembly. The bishops expressed solidarity with affected families, specifically highlighting workers, retirees, small savers, and entrepreneurs. They requested that these individuals recover their resources as soon as possible, with particular attention given to elderly adults. The bishops also demanded clear information regarding state funds and Social Welfare Institute deposits held at the bank. They urged the Congress, the Prosecutor's Office, the Comptroller's Office, and the Central Bank to investigate the facts, determine responsibilities, and apply corresponding sanctions without privileges based on public office or proximity to power.
This intervention by the bishops is part of a broader concern for the social situation in Paraguay. On August 14, representatives of the Episcopate met with President Peña and other government authorities to discuss issues related to health access, the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, the environment, and the situation of indigenous peoples. Subsequently, on September 2, the Episcopal Conference demanded structural solutions to the crisis in the public health system, which was worsened by the resignation of hundreds of specialist doctors. These actions demonstrate an ecclesial agenda focused on problems affecting the most vulnerable sectors. The immediate priority for the Paraguayan Church is to protect affected people and clarify responsibilities, reflecting the social doctrine principle that financial activity must serve people and the common good.