More False Priests — Now in Colombia: How to Spot Fake Clergy?

(ZENIT News / Pereira, 11.07.2026).- The Diocese of Pereira, in Colombia, has reported the presence of a false priest who uses manipulated images on social media to mislead others.

The Diocese’s warning states that a man named Steven Gutiérrez «presents himself as a priest,» yet he does not belong to the Catholic clergy, nor is there any record of him serving as a minister in any other reputable religious denomination. The warning notes that Gutiérrez uses his social media posts, including photographs from diocesan activities in which he appears as a priest, alongside «manipulated images and digital content that could mislead people regarding his identity and ecclesiastical status.»

The press release advises caution regarding offers of Masses, blessings, sacraments, and spiritual guidance, as well as requests for money made by individuals falsely claiming to represent the institution.

In this case, as in the vast majority of similar instances, the act of impersonating a minister of the Church is carried out for the purpose of obtaining money. Given that technological advancements make deception easier, the faithful should exercise the evangelical virtue of prudence.

The statement clarifies that «the use of photographs alongside a Bishop or priests, or at liturgical celebrations, does not in itself prove that an individual belongs to the clergy, nor does it constitute authorization to exercise priestly ministry on behalf of the Catholic Church.» It further notes that the Church reserves the right to report these matters to the appropriate authorities so that legal action may be taken.

Since Mr. Steven Gutiérrez is neither a member of the clergy of the Diocese of Pereira nor authorized by this ecclesiastical jurisdiction to exercise priestly ministry on its behalf, the faithful are advised «not to be misled by such publications.» They are encouraged to verify any questions regarding the identity, canonical status, or authorization of individuals claiming to be priests of the Diocese by contacting the Episcopal Curia directly.

How can one distinguish a false Catholic minister from a genuine one? First, it should be noted that every evangelizer within the Catholic Church is incardinated into a diocese, either as a parish priest or as a collaborator within a parish. Therefore, it is very helpful to identify the specific church or location where the individual exercises their ministry; if they do not serve in a recognized parish or cannot present valid credentials as a Catholic priest, something is amiss.

Secondly, it is very helpful to consult with a parish priest to determine whether the alleged priest is acting on his own; this is also an indication of deception. Furthermore, all parish priests within a Diocese know one another and are aware of other priests who may be active in the area, such as members of religious orders or priests from other dioceses who assist on an occasional basis.

The statement from the Diocese of Pereira reiterates that its purpose is to protect the faithful and prevent individuals from falsely claiming to be priests or asserting a non-existent ecclesiastical affiliation. Finally, it encourages the public to report any posts or situations related to this matter through the Diocese’s official channels and to share this warning to help prevent others from being deceived.