Women Accusing Priest of Sexual Abuse Criticize Vatican's Lack of Transparency
Laura Sgrò, the lawyer representing five women accusing Slovenian priest Marko Rupnik of sexual assault, has denounced the Vatican's lack of transparency in the judicial process. Sgrò filed a complaint with the Holy See in April 2024 against the 71-year-old theologian and mosaic artist, who is accused of psychological and sexual abuse against at least 20 women over nearly 30 years, primarily within a community he led in Ljubljana. The Vatican initially cited the statute of limitations to close the case in 2022 without investigation, but Pope Francis suspended this decision the following year, allowing the proceedings to continue. In October 2025, five judges were appointed to the tribunal, but no opening date has been set. Sgrò expressed frustration, stating that nine months later, there has been no information, and that they learned about the trial's progress primarily through the press. Despite numerous attempts to contact the Holy See, she claims they have been consistently ignored. The Vatican's press office has denied rumors of an acquittal, stating that the evaluation is ongoing and that information cannot be disclosed during an active proceeding to respect the process and avoid prejudicing individuals. The case has become a significant test for Pope Leo XIV's pontificate, particularly as canonical procedures for sexual violence often leave victims marginalized, lacking access to case files or detailed progress updates, a deficiency highlighted by various investigative commissions. Sgrò emphasized that transparency is crucial for victims and the Church, and sent a letter to Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, questioning the process and expressing her clients' feelings of abandonment. While Pope Leo XIV has met with victims since his election in May 2025, he has not announced major initiatives on the issue, and the Rupnik case continues to exert pressure. He previously commented on the length of judicial proceedings, urging patience while stressing the need to respect everyone's rights. The upcoming visit to Lourdes, where Rupnik's artworks will be concealed at the request of the accusers, may bring renewed attention to the case.
The handling of the Marko Rupnik case highlights systemic challenges within ecclesiastical justice systems, particularly concerning transparency and victim support. The extended delays and lack of communication, as detailed by the accusers' lawyer, raise questions about the efficiency and fairness of internal Vatican judicial processes, especially when dealing with allegations of severe misconduct. While the Vatican cites procedural respect and the need to avoid prejudicing ongoing evaluations, this approach appears to conflict with principles of open justice and victim-centered processes. The situation underscores a broader tension between traditional institutional discretion and modern demands for accountability and public trust. Future reforms may need to balance due process with timely, transparent communication to ensure victims feel heard and the integrity of the institution is maintained, particularly as society increasingly expects greater openness from all major organizations.
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