The Vatican has announced a new development in the case of Fr. Marko Rupnik, the former Jesuit who is accused of sexual abuse. Pope Francis has waived the statue of limitations to re-open an investigation and allow a trial to take place.
This decision comes after the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors expressed its concerns to the Pope last month regarding the handling of the case, citing a lack of care for the victims and survivors.
Fr. Marko Rupnik is a well-known theologian and artist. He has been accused of psychologically and sexually abusing several adult women, including nuns. The abuse allegedly took place over several decades and the Society of Jesus has already said it considers the allegations credible. Fr. Rupnik has since been expelled from the Jesuit Order for breaking the vow of obedience.
The Diocese of Rome has also conducted a parallel investigation into the art institution associated with Fr. Rupnik. The investigation concluded that the environment of the institution was positive and said it revealed no serious problems.
Fr. Rupnik has recently been accepted as a diocesan priest in his native Slovenia. The bishop of the diocese said in a statement that he decided to accept Fr. Rupnik because to date there has been no official documentation proving him guilty.
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