Five women accusing former Jesuit Marko Rupnik of abuse have sent an open letter to Pope Leo XIV. They are based in Vatican City and Slovenia, seeking a fair and transparent legal process. The victims criticize the lack of information from the Vatican regarding the ongoing case handled by a special court. They argue that the current silence discourages other survivors from reporting crimes. The letter coincides with the Pope's upcoming visit to Lourdes, France, where Rupnik created mosaics that have been covered. The women request that the Pope exercise his authority to ensure justice and truth for all victims of clerical abuse.
The Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, Jean-Marc Micas, announced that mosaics by disgraced artist Marko Rupnik will be covered on the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary facade. This decision precedes Pope Leo’s visit to France from September 26 to 27. Micas stated the artwork will remain hidden as a sign of respect to abuse victims. Rupnik faces a Vatican trial for serial abuse allegations. The bishop initiated the covering process in March 2025 to prevent the art from hindering victims’ access to the shrine. Survivors and advocates had long sought the removal of the artwork.
Crux reports that the Vatican’s opaque handling of abuse allegations against former Jesuit Marko Rupnik reveals systemic failures. Rupnik, now serving in Slovenia, was accused of abusing dozens of women over thirty years. Although Vatican investigators found sufficient evidence in 2022, they initially ruled the case time-barred. Pope Francis later waived the statute of limitations, yet proceedings remain secretive. The outlet argues this secrecy harms victims and damages Church credibility. The article notes that Church leaders often rely on outdated protocols, failing to address adult abuse with the same urgency as child abuse cases, thereby allowing bad actors to continue their behavior.
The Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Patriarchate has criticized a Ljubljana District Court decision in Slovenia. The court sentenced Patriarch Porfirije and a local parish to suspended prison terms and fines. The Assembly claims the proceedings violated due process because the Patriarch was not notified beforehand. They argue the case stems from lawsuits by defrocked priest Željko Lumbarda and ignores canonical rights. Legal experts cited in the statement say the court disregarded religious freedom laws and constitutional agreements. Consequently, the Assembly advised the Patriarch not to appeal the judgments, viewing the legal process as an attack on the Church's authority.
Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar stated that Pope Leo XIV has promised to visit Slovenia within the next two years. She issued an official invitation during a Monday audience, though the Vatican has not yet confirmed the trip. This would be the first papal visit since 1999. The potential visit coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Slovenia and the Holy See. Andrej Saje, head of the Slovenian Bishops' Conference, called it a spiritual opportunity but noted that specific dates and programs remain undecided. Meanwhile, the government plans to expand a 2004 agreement regarding pastoral care for military and police personnel.
Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline met with bishops from Italy, Israel, Lebanon, Spain, Malta, Greece, Slovenia, and Ukraine in Vatican City on October 9. The gathering focused on strengthening the Church's Cooperation in the Mediterranean Region (COMED). The initiative aims to coordinate efforts in peace, interreligious dialogue, and migration support. Upcoming events include a prayer meeting in Assisi and a youth sailing voyage in 2027. These activities seek to foster unity and break down barriers across the Mediterranean basin.
Translated from Polski
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Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia presided over the Divine Liturgy in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on September 13, marking the 90th anniversary of the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius. More than 1,000 faithful attended the service, which commemorated the first liturgy held at the site nine decades ago. During his homily, the Patriarch emphasized the missionary work of Saints Cyril and Methodius and the commandment of love. He also awarded the right to wear pectoral crosses to two local clergy members. The event was attended by several bishops, diplomatic representatives, and Serbian authorities, highlighting the church's historical significance in the region.
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