Lopes, José Manuel Martins2025-11-172025-11-172025-11-06Lopes, J. M. M. (2025). Para uma pedagogia de um exercício saudável do poder em contexto eclesial. In Educação e cultura de paz: memória, verdade e perdão (1 ed., pp. 283-318). (Axioma Series in Pedagogy and Philosophy of Education; No. 5). Axioma - Publicações da Faculdade de Filosofia. https://doi.org/10.17990/AxiSeries/2025_05_28397897269739809789726973973370cc400-4bc5-4c9d-b7d6-14550aa32968http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/55677This article reflects on the exercise of power in spiritual contexts, drawing on Ignatian tradition and the current debate within the Catholic Church on abuses of power, authority, and conscience. It highlights how clericalism, the manipulation of vulnerability, and the misuse of obedience can generate abusive dynamics that undermine freedom, dignity, and trust. At the same time, it argues that fidelity to the Gospel and a renewed understanding of authority as service constitute the only path to regenerate both personal relationships and ecclesial institutions. Vulnerability, far from being mere weakness, can also be a place of encounter and care, requiring transparency, co-responsibility, and discernment to overcome a culture of abuse and to foster a culture of care.porAbuse of authorityAbuse of conscienceAbuse of powerClericalismSpiritual vulnerabilityTransparencybook part10.17990/AxiSeries/2025_05_283