Originally published at The Crux
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Victims of a disgraced celebrity priest are “deeply disheartened and distressed” at the slow pace and near-total opacity of their alleged abuser’s trial at Church law in the Vatican.
The high-profile case of Father Marko Rupnik tarnished the reputation of Pope Francis and continues to challenge the Vatican’s – and Pope Leo XIV’s – commitment to orderly and transparent justice, especially in matters of clerical abuse and coverup.
The attorney for five of the women who accuse Rupnik has written to Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, head of the Vatican department responsible for trying the priest.
In the letter, the text of which has been obtained by Crux Now, attorney Laura Sgrò – who practices both canon and civil law – complains of procedural irregularities, apparent foot-dragging, and a frustrating lack of transparency.
Sgrò told Crux Now she prepared the letter at her clients’ request and sent it Tuesday, July 21, after rumors of Rupnik’s acquittal – neither confirmed nor denied by the Vatican – began swirling earlier this week.
“It is my clients’ express wish that this communication be made public,” Sgrò told Crux Now.
“Since the start of the proceedings (if indeed they have even begun),” Sgrò said,
