Jesuits expel Rupnik, an artist-priest accused of abusing nuns

Slovenian Jesuit Marko Rupnik, known for making mosaics in churches around the world and accused of abusing several nuns, he was expelled from the Society of Jesus for “his stubborn refusal to keep his vow of obedience”says a letter sent by General Counsel Johan Verschueren.

In his letter, Vershuren explained to members of the Society of Jesus, to which Pope Francis belongs, that the decision was made “because of his stubborn refusal to keep his vow of obedience” because restrictions were imposed on him in festive events, artistic activities and in movements that the former Jesuit has repeatedly violated in recent months, as documented by the newspaper Domani.

Vershuren explains that even a priest he was given a “last chance” to come to terms with “his past” and “give a clear signal to the hurt people who testified against him” and enter “the path of truth”, but he rejected this too.

Rupnik now has 30 days to appeal this decision and after this period, exile will be final.

A few months ago, when the case broke out, the Jesuits admitted that Rupnik was sanctioned with some restrictions after investigating the sexual and psychological abuse of nuns in the 90s despite being appointed.

As the Jesuits explained, the Department of the Doctrine, which is in charge of canonical processes in matters of sexual violence, “A complaint was received in 2021 against Marko’s father Ivan Rupnik about how he carries out his ministry.

The Society of Jesus was then instructed to open a preliminary investigation, and “after examining the result, the department of the Vatican found thate the facts in question were to be considered established and therefore closed the case at the beginning of October this year 2022.”

During the investigation, as the Jesuits explained, several precautions were taken against Father Rupnik, since “prohibition of the sacrament of confession, spiritual direction and accompanying spiritual exercises.

But on Friday it also became known that regarding this religious, Known primarily for his facet of an artist, for supposedly “letting go during confession a woman with whom he had sexual relations,” which is a grave sin for a monastic.

According to the timeline that the Society of Jesus published on their page regarding this episode, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith published in May 2020 Decree punishing a Jesuit by excommunication for the crime of “absolution of an accomplice against the sixth commandment,” but shortly thereafter, by an extraordinary act, excommunication was lifted.

Photo: Almudena Cathedral in Madrid

It is not known for what reason the excommunication was removed from the artist. According to some media outlets, the Pope is the only authority who can do this, while others suggest that the verdict could have been challenged by Father Rupnik and then changed by other types of sanctions.

Facts of alleged sexual abuse date back to the early 1990s and it concerned the alleged psychological and sexual abuse of nuns from the Slovene community of Loyola in Ljubljana, founded by a religious man whose friend and spiritual father was Rupnik.

Newspaper Domani He also published several testimonials from the nuns, they allege, were subjected to ill-treatment.

This Jesuit is famous all over the world for his mosaics, such as those that adorn the facade of the Basilica of Lourdes in France, the chapel in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, in the monastery of Santo Domingo de la Calzada or in Cathedral of Almudena in Madrid.

(EFE)

Source: Aristegui Noticias

Mary
As an experienced journalist and author, Mary has been reporting on the latest news and trends for over 5 years. With a passion for uncovering the stories behind the headlines, Mary has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in the world of journalism. Her writing style is insightful, engaging and thought-provoking, as she takes a deep dive into the most pressing issues of our time.