Pope Francis’ decision not to conduct a canonical investigation into Cardinal Marc Ouellet comes as no surprise, according to experts who recall that the Vatican had already done so in several similar scandals.
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“It confirms what we have seen for years. He is a pope who defends his cardinals tooth and nail,” launches the author and specialist in religious news Alain Pronkin.
The latter refers in particular to the case of ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was expelled from the clergy only after being convicted of numerous sexual assaults, despite rumors that had been circulating about him for decades.
He also points out that the Holy Father has “only put on hold” the role of Cardinal George Pell – accused and convicted of pedophilia, before being cleared – pending his trial.
“It sends the message that the pope will defend the interests of the Church above all else,” said Mr. Pronkin.
Usual procedure
“Of course it gives the impression that the Church is not seriously dealing with this matter, that it is protecting its world”, agrees for his part Louis Rousseau, professor emeritus of the department of science of religions from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM).
But he points out that this is the procedure used most often by the Vatican in cases like this, due to the complexity of the judicial process.
The presumption of innocence is also very important for this pope, specifies Mr. Rousseau, stressing that Cardinal Ouellet has still not reacted publicly to these accusations.
“But if there is a finding of guilt from a court, it is certain that Pope Francis will change his mind and that the cardinal will have to face the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith”, maintains Alain Pronkin.