Lawyer criticizes Vatican secrecy in Rupnik abuse case
9 reported3 unconfirmed
The lawyer for five women who allege abuse by former Jesuit priest Marko Ivan Rupnik has issued a public letter criticizing the Vatican’s secretive legal system. Attorney Laura Sgro demanded to know the status of the Vatican investigation after an Italian blog reported that Rupnik had been absolved in a canonical trial. Vatican officials said Tuesday the case was ongoing but have not confirmed or denied the blog report. Sgro complained that no one from the Vatican had responded to her calls or emails and that her clients had never been interviewed. The Rupnik scandal involves allegations of sexual, spiritual, and psychological abuse spanning over 30 years. The Jesuits expelled Rupnik in 2023 after more than two dozen women came forward, though he remains a priest and his supporters deny wrongdoing. Pope Leo XIV confirmed the trial had opened late last year and urged victims to be patient. The case is closely watched because of its potential impact on the legacy of Pope Francis.
What’s reported
Attorney Laura Sgro represents five women who say they were sexually, psychologically, and spiritually abused by Rev. Marko Ivan Rupnik.
Sgro sent a letter to Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Vatican's doctrine office, demanding answers about the trial.
An Italian blog, Messa in Latino, reported Monday that Rupnik had been absolved in a canonical trial.
Vatican officials said Tuesday the case was ongoing but did not confirm or deny the blog report.
The Jesuits expelled Rupnik in 2023 after more than two dozen women accused him of abuse over 30 years.
Rupnik remains a priest; his supporters have denied he did anything wrong.
Pope Francis waived the statute of limitations in 2023 to allow a canonical trial.
Pope Leo XIV confirmed the trial had opened late last year and urged victims to be patient.
In canonical trials, victims are third-party witnesses with no access to case files or right to know the status of the investigation.
Open questions
The current status of the Vatican investigation into Rupnik.
Whether Rupnik was absolved of some charges while others remain under investigation.
Why the women were not called to testify or admitted as injured parties in the trial.
Key figures
Laura Sgro: lawyer for five women alleging abuse
Rev. Marko Ivan Rupnik: former Jesuit priest and religious artist
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández: prefect of the Vatican's doctrine office
Pope Francis: waived statute of limitations in 2023
Pope Leo XIV: confirmed trial had opened late last year
Maria Campatelli: director of the Aletti Center, who said claims against Rupnik were "defamatory and unproven"
Sources: abcnews.com
