Women accusing powerful priest slam Vatican silence
The Vatican closed the case in 2022 without an investigation, citing a statute of limitations, but the late Pope Francis had it re-opened.
This handout photograph taken and released on July 22, 2026 by the Vatican press office Vatican Media shows Pope Leo XIV waving to people from a balcony during his visit to the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity in Vallepietra. (AFP Photo)
VATICAN - Victims of an influential Slovenian priest on trial for sexual violence feel "abandoned and betrayed", their lawyer told AFP, denouncing the opacity of the Vatican's judicial proceedings.
The case of Marko Rupnik, 71, who was also a celebrated mosaic artist with works decorating famous shrines, has reignited questions over efforts to fight abuse in the Catholic Church.
"What is happening in this trial is simply staggering," Laura Sgro, who represents five victims, told AFP.
She filed a complaint in April 2024 with the Holy See on behalf of five women, including three from France, Italy and Slovenia against Rupnik.
He is accused of having committed psychological and sexual violence against at least 20 women over nearly 30 years, mainly within a now-dissolved religious group he led in Ljubljana.
The Vatican closed the case in 2022 without an investigation, citing a statute of limitations, but the late Pope Francis had it re-opened.
Last October, the Vatican announced the appointment of five judges to the tribunal in charge of a canonical trial, without specifying when it would open.
Despite "numerous phone calls", emails, and registered letters, she said the Vatican has "always ignored me".
'No decision'
In the absence of official information, rumours have spread about the case.
An Italian blog reported that the priest, whose works can be seen in Fatima, Washington, and even in the Vatican, had been acquitted in the utmost secrecy.
Questioned by AFP, Vatican press office director Matteo Bruni said: "There has been no decision, it is still under review."
"During the trial, as in any judicial proceeding, no information relating to ongoing activity can be disclosed, out of respect for the trial itself and in order to avoid harming anyone," the Vatican said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Church's canonical procedures in cases of sexual violence leave victims largely on the sidelines.
Victims do not have access to the case file or to detailed monitoring of the procedure -- an opacity denounced by investigative commissions in several countries.
"If the victims feel abandoned and betrayed, then the system is not working," Sgro said.
"Transparency is and must remain the absolute priority... not only for the victims, but also for the Church," she said, adding that she "remains hopeful".
Since his election in May 2025, Leo has met with victims of sexual violence but has not announced any major measures in this area.
Questioned in November about the case, the pope emphasised the length of judicial procedures.
"I know it is very difficult for victims to be asked for patience, but the Church must respect the rights of everyone," he said.
His planned visit to Lourdes in September could bring the case back to the forefront: the shrine has decided to conceal Rupnik's monumental works, responding to the victims' call.