He Papa Francisco has appointed a retired judge from Quebec, Canada, to investigate allegations that inappropriate sexual behavior to the cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix who, since last year, has been one of the nine members of the Council of Cardinals created by Francis to help him run the church.

According to Canadian Radio Ichi QuebecIf, as a result of these investigations, the judge finds that the facts are credible, the investigation may lead to canonical solution.

Canonical judgment is a process in which “spiritual” sanctions priests guilty of crimes that violate church laws.

The events for which Cardinal Lacroix is ​​accused would have occurred between 1987 and 1988 in a city in the French-speaking province of Canada. Supposed minor sacrificewho was 17 years old at the time, was reported as part of Class action lawsuit sent to diocese from Quebec.

Behind media influence In connection with the accusations brought against him, Cardinal Lacroix announced on January 26 that Temporarily resigned as Archbishop of Quebec until the situation becomes clearer.

He appointed by judge André Denis must now determine whether the facts reported are sufficient trustworthy and sane cardinal to justify the canonical trial. This Preliminary investigation in which there is no a verdict is expected about the guilt or innocence of the Canadian cardinal, but about the investigation “in whether the facts are plausible or not“, as Denis described in a letter dated February 19, addressed to the lawyers of the two parties.