During his recent visit to Canadian soil, Pope Francis made a meaningful statement. “Never again,” he said, apologizing to all victims of sexual assaults committed by members of the Catholic Church. Three weeks have passed since this symbolic declaration, and already it rings hollow.
The law firm Arsenault Dufresne Wee filed new documents last week in its class action on behalf of a hundred alleged victims of sexual assaults committed by representatives of the diocese of Quebec, since 1940. One name stands out from the list , that of Cardinal Marc Ouellet, described as a potential successor to Pope Francis. This influential conservative cardinal is the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, an important function of the Vatican government. As such, it evolves under the direct authority of Pope Francis.
According to the allegations in the motion, which have not been proven in court, Cardinal Ouellet allegedly kissed and caressed a pastoral worker, identified by the initial “F”, against his will. Cardinal Ouellet denied “firmly” the “false accusations” of which he is accused, by means of a press release. Considering himself the victim of defamatory remarks, he indicated that he would participate in any civil investigation to restore his reputation and innocence.
It will be necessary to wait before the judicial truth is established in this case. If there is one conclusion we can draw, it has to do with the Vatican’s disappointing conduct.
Pope Francis has refused to open a new investigation into the conduct of Cardinal Ouellet, for lack of sufficient evidence. Following a denunciation by F., in 2021, the pope had ordered the holding of a first investigation, led by Father Jacques Servais, a friend of Marc Ouellet.
F. affirms that Father Servais did not have the perspective and skills necessary to investigate his friend. She was never informed of the conclusions of the investigation, which is surprising to say the least. The process reeks of conflict of interest. It is contrary to a papal decree advocating impartiality in investigations.
Twice, Pope Francis therefore gives the impression of protecting Marc Ouellet. He has divine reason and infallibility on his side. Blessed be Heaven, for we have the justice of men. Let her do her job, because we can expect nothing more from the Vatican, except words and symbolic acts of contrition.