Vatican: Rupnik acquittal rumors ‘absolutely unfounded’

The Vatican said Wednesday that the canonical trial of Fr. Marko Rupnik is still in process, after rumors emerged this week that the disgraced former Jesuit had been acquitted.

Two online publications reported on Monday that Rupnik had been acquitted by a panel of judges appointed by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, over charges connected allegations of sexually abusing religious sisters.

But the Holy See press office responded July 22, sending journalists a statement saying that “reports of any deliberation by the judges following the case of Rev. Marko Ivan Rupnik are absolutely unfounded.”

The press office said that “the deliberation of the case is still ongoing, and the panel is examining documentation from the dioceses involved, the Jesuits, interested parties, and the press.”

It added: “During the trial, as with any judicial proceeding, no information regarding ongoing activity can be shared in any way, out of respect for the trial itself and to avoid harming anyone involved in the matter, as has occurred in recent days. Should the panel deem it necessary to obtain further information, it will be responsible for making independent arrangements to obtain it.”

The statement also noted that