The Vatican on Wednesday stated that a canonical trial against Rev. Marko Ivan Rupnik, a Slovenian artist and former Jesuit priest, remains active and rejected reports suggesting the case had concluded. A Vatican press office statement characterized an Italian blog report claiming an acquittal verdict had been reached as “totally unfounded” and noted that judges continue examining documentation from various parties involved in the proceedings.
Rupnik’s case became public in late 2022 when Italian blogs first reported allegations from women and nuns of sexual, spiritual, and psychological abuse dating to the 1990s. The Jesuits confirmed in 2020 that Rupnik had been briefly excommunicated for using the confessional to absolve a woman with whom he had engaged in sexual relations. In 2023, the Jesuits expelled him from their order. Pope Francis subsequently waived the statute of limitations on older allegations, enabling the Vatican to initiate a canonical trial following suggestions that the priest had received protection from church leadership for decades.
The trial’s secrecy has drawn criticism from those representing accusers. Attorney Laura Sgro, representing five women who have accused Rupnik, sent a letter expressing frustration that no information had been provided about the case’s status despite two years of requests, and noted her clients had not been interviewed by the tribunal. She characterized the acquittal report as discouraging to the women involved.
The Vatican press office responded that confidentiality serves to protect the process and all parties involved. It noted that canonical trials follow church law and address internal ecclesiastical matters distinct from civil or criminal proceedings. Under canonical procedures, victims function as third-party witnesses with no access to case files, no right to know investigation status, and until a 2019 Francis reform, no ability to learn case outcomes. The Vatican statement suggested the tribunal panel may yet seek additional information independently if needed.
Canonical abuse proceedings have faced repeated international criticism for their secrecy and limited victim protections, with observers noting the system’s structure prioritizes institutional interests in restoring justice and repairing scandal rather than addressing survivor needs or facilitating healing.
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