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Herald Malaysia
3 days ago
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Rupnik's mosaics quietly removed from Vatican News
The move is seen as an overdue sign of hope and healing for survivors of his alleged decades-long abuse Jun 10, 2025 A mosaic designed by Father Marko Rupnik's studio Centro Aletti at the Basilica of the Sanctuary of Lourdes, France. (Photo: UCAN Files) By Paulina Guzik, OSV News In a quiet but powerful move, Vatican News has begun removing artwork by Father Marko Rupnik -- the once-renowned mosaicist now accused of abusing over two dozen women -- from its website. His mosaics, long used to mark major feast days online, were recently replaced or left blank -- a shift many survivors say is long removed mosaics include one for the June 9 memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and one that illustrated the feast of the Assumption Aug. 15."I can't tell you how hopeful of a sign it is for me," said Weronika, whose name was changed and who is a victim of abuse by a Polish Dominican priest. "I saw it immediately and simply felt relieved," she told OSV News, adding: "you don't even know how much this gesture means to me. That the victims' pain was heard at last." Since the allegations were revealed, calls to remove the priest's artwork have grown, including from victims who said the mosaics were a painful reminder of the abuse they suffered. One victim, identified as Sister Samuelle, recounted that she was abused by Father Rupnik while installing one of his mosaics. A number of shrines that featured his work have taken steps to either cover or limit the public display and use of Father Rupnik's mosaics since the abuse revelations were made public. The St. John Paul II National Shrine in Washington as well as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, France, opted to cover or partially cover the mosaics out of respect for his victims. OSV News asked the Vatican's Press Office whether removing Father Rupnik's art from Vatican News is a coordinated effort and is awaiting an answer. Mosaics to be or not to be? In June 2024, on the final day of the Catholic Media Conference in Atlanta, the prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication addressed questions posed by America's Colleen Dulle and OSV News about the dicastery's regular practice of posting art by Father Rupnik on the Vatican News website and social media, especially to illustrate church feast days. "As Christian(s), we are asked not to judge," Paolo Ruffini said to a room full of communications professionals after giving an address at the CMC June 21, 2024. He explained that while the process of a Vatican investigation into Father Rupnik is still ongoing, "an anticipation of a decision is something that is not, in our opinion, is not good." "There are things we don't understand," he said. Ruffini also added they "did not put in any new photos" of Father Rupnik's art, but rather have been using what they had. "We didn't decide what was not on our charge to decide," he Father Rupnik's art from public space "is not a Christian response," Ruffini said. "We are not talking about abuse of minors," Ruffini said at the CMC. "We are talking (about) a story that we don't know." "I don't think we have to throw stones thinking that this is the way of healing," the prefect added."Do you think that if I put away a photo of an art (away) from … our website, I will be more close to the victims? Do you think so?" he pressed journalists at the end of his answer. When an answer was given in the affirmative, Ruffini responded: "I think you're wrong." Five days later, in a separate June 26 communication, Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley of Boston, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, told the dicasteries of the Vatican Curia that Father Rupnik is currently under Vatican investigation and entitled to the presumption of innocence. However, he made clear that "pastoral prudence would prevent displaying artwork in a way that could imply either exoneration or a subtle defense" of a person alleged to have committed abuse, "or indicate indifference to the pain and suffering of so many victims of abuse." Father Rupnik's case investigated for over 500 days Father Rupnik, a former Jesuit, was briefly excommunicated by the church in 2020 for absolving an Italian novice with whom he had sex. The excommunication was lifted after he repented. The Jesuits disclosed in December 2022 that it had suspended the Slovenian artist after allegations of abuse had surfaced. In June 2023, Father Rupnik was expelled from the Jesuits for refusing to obey restrictions imposed upon him related to the sexual, spiritual and psychological abuse of some two dozen women and at least one man over the course of 30 years. Despite the credibility of the accusations and his dismissal from the Jesuits, the Diocese of Koper in the priest's native Slovenia announced it had incardinated Father Rupnik in its diocese. After the diocese confirmed in October 2023 that the priest had been there since August, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had lifted the statute of limitations, allowing the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to proceed in its investigation and eventual case. In a statement published in October 2023, the Vatican said the decision was made after "the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors brought to the pope's attention that there were serious problems in the handling of the Father Marko Rupnik case and lack of outreach to victims."The canonical process of Father Rupnik is ongoing. "The sentence is expected in the not too distant future," a source told OSV News in the retired bishop of the Diocese of Koper, where Father Rupnik was incardinated in August 2023, told OSV News in February that the priest 'continues his work all over the world.'Father Rupnik's case is one of the most urgent cases on the table for the new pope to handle in canonical terms, abuse experts Father Hans Zollner, director of the Institute of Anthropology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and a top expert on the abuse crisis, told OSV News upon the election of Pope Leo XIV: 'I do hope that, as soon as possible, we will have a verdict. Many of us are looking forward to hearing about that, because it has been a very long time, especially for those who have brought forward the allegations -- so that finally there will be clarity about this,' Father Zollner said. For any pope, he added, the issue of abuse is critical, as it becomes "a question of the credibility of our existence and our message."--ucanews
RTÉ News
04-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Abuse, reform and finances among issues facing next pope
As cardinals file into the Sistine Chapel this week, those who believe they may be in with a shot of becoming the 267th pope, will have considered their priorities as leader. While much weight is placed on the fact that Pope Francis appointed over 100 cardinals during his pontificate, it does not mean his successor will reflect his pontificate. Pope Francis' successor will inherit a Church facing an array of challenges from the outset. Among those is the legacy of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, which has dominated recent papacies. Indeed, some would say that for Pope Benedict, it was an issue that he simply could not get on top of and that it contributed to his early retirement. Many victims of abuse and observers of Pope Francis's papacy believe that despite his efforts, he failed to grasp and manage the problem adequately. In his trips around the world, including to Ireland in 2018, the late Pope was confronted by the stories of victims who had been severely damaged and hurt by a powerful institution which sought to protect those in positions of power. In 2019, Pope Francis published a document called 'Vos Estis', to outline procedures for investigating and judging cases of sexual abuse in the church. Ultimately, this centred on holding bishops, religious superiors and others to account in their response to abuse. However, the effectiveness of Vos Estis continues to be debated because of its 'self-policing' policy. While many measures have been taken by the Catholic Church to address the issue of sexual abuse, victims and survivors will say the Vatican is far too slow in addressing the problem which leads to retraumatisation. Pope Francis said there was 'zero tolerance' when it came to the abuse of minors. However, there have been concerns regarding the approach of the Vatican to the sexual abuse of adults. In particular, the Vatican's approach to spiritual abuse. It is an issue that came to the fore in recent years when the Jesuit priest and famous Slovenian artist Fr Marko Rupnik was accused by around 20 nuns of sexual, spiritual and psychological abuse. In 2020, the Vatican excommunicated Fr Rupnik for absolving a woman he had sexual relations with during confession. Having repented his sins, Fr Rupnik's excommunication was lifted shortly after, but it took two years for this to come to light. The Vatican, under Pope Francis, was repeatedly criticised for an apparent passivity in dealing with the case of Fr Rupnik. There was a lack of urgency in addressing women's allegations which highlighted extreme exploitation of their vulnerabilities by Fr Rupnik. The Slovenian priest is highly revered for his art which adorns churches and monuments around the world, including in Vatican City. Under canon law, the statute of limitations for Fr Rupnik's case was 20 years. However, the charges against him referred to incidents that occurred 30 years previously. Therefore, the statute of limitations had expired. This led to great upset amongst Fr Rupnik's accusers and there were claims of a cover up by the Pope who hailed from the same order. In 2023, Pope Francis lifted the statute of limitations and asked the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith to review the case. In the same year, Fr Rupnik was incardinated in the Diocese of Koper in his home country of Slovenia to serve as a priest. While the Vatican investigation has concluded, no tribunal has yet been convened to hear the case, and how the next Pope deals with this high-profile outstanding matter will be watched with interest. Role of women, LGBTQ+ community One of Pope Francis' lasting legacies is the Synod on Synodality. A listening exercise, it was a global conversation amongst Catholics which took place in recent years. While the range of involvement at a local level worldwide varied greatly, the Irish Catholic Church took it very seriously. Irish parishes identified themes like inclusivity (for example the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in the church) co-responsibility, accountability, the role of women, transparency and vocations as key priorities. Archbishops from Ireland travelled to Rome with their findings which were not dissimilar to findings brought by those from other Western countries. A final document was drawn up and there is no doubt that those involved in the process, including over 60 cardinals, bought into the idea of a listening and more discerning process. Following the publication of the official document, Pope Francis created ten working groups to study and reflect on what emerged on issues including seminary formation, ministry (including laypeople), LGBTQ+ Catholics and the ordination of women deacons. Those working groups are due to report back to the new pope during the year. Given that he has no obligation to take on the recommendations of those working groups or continue with synodality to the same extent as Francis, his response will be an indication of the path of the Catholic Church in the immediate term. Elect a 'fundraiser, not a pastor' Vatican finances are also an issue for the next pope. While it is well known that Pope Francis sought to clean up finance scandals, it has also been widely reported that the Vatican faces a growing budget deficit. A final gesture by Francis was to use an anonymous benefactor to pay for his funeral, choosing not to place the burden of the cost on the Vatican. While much of the Vatican's revenue comes from assets like real estate, education and hospitals; tickets to museums and money gained from tourism at the Holy See reportedly 'keeps the lights on'. Pope Francis is viewed as having achieved some success in this area, with recorded profits on its sovereign wealth fund increasing during his tenure. Watchdog organisations were also established or given more strength externally and internally to keep an eye on financial matters. Despite that, a steady hand is required on the part of his successor in this area. Jesuit priest and commentator Rev Thomas Reese recently said that the budget woes of the Vatican could have a "tremendous impact" on cardinals entering conclave. "They're going to have to elect somebody who's a fundraiser, not a pastor," he said. Vatican reform Another issue is Vatican reform. This includes reform of the Roman Curia which is, essentially, the administrative apparatus of the Holy See and the Roman Catholic Church. It functions like a Cabinet. In 2022, Pope Francis published a document to make the Curia more efficient, transparent and focused on service to the Pope and local churches. He also expanded women's roles within the Curia, marking a historic shift toward greater inclusion for women in the Church. While his appointments have spanned various high-ranking positions, criticism remained from some quarters, that he did not see, or adequately consider, the ordination of women as deacons during his papacy. Cardinals on the other side of the argument criticised the inclusion of laypeople and women in high-ranking Vatican positions from the outset, viewing these moves as departures from tradition. That criticism continued in recent days, when, as reported by America Magazine's Vatican Correspondent Gerard O'Connell, Cardinal Beniamino Stella "openly attacked Pope Francis" for "bypassing the long-standing tradition of the church" linking the power of governance to holy orders. Mr O'Connell reported that Cardinal Stella said Pope Francis "imposed his own ideas" by opening positions of governance in the Roman Curia and the church to men and women not in holy orders. Overseas trips Finally, Pope Francis's first trip abroad set a marker for his papacy when he visited the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, to highlight the serious issues facing migrants. His overseas trips continued in that vein, prioritising communities facing hardship. Pope Francis also sought to meet religious leaders from various faiths overseas, engaging with figures like the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. He expressed his intention to visit Turkey this summer to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a pivotal event in Christian history. Considering its historical significance the new pontiff is likely to go to Turkey. However, each pontiff has the discretion to establish his own priorities regarding trips overseas. Ultimately, whoever is elected pontiff in the coming days or weeks, will have his own priorities and vision in the midst of a complex political landscape inside the Vatican and beyond. While reforms and efforts undertaken by Pope Francis reshaped the Holy See to a point, there is no onus on his successor to continue that trajectory.
The Independent
31-03-2025
- The Independent
World-renowned church covers up artworks by priest accused of abuse
One of the world's most popular Catholic pilgrimage sites is covering up a series of mosaics made by a priest accused of sex abuse. The artworks, by Rev. Mark Rupnik, adorn the facade of the Rosary Basilica in Lourdes near the France -Spain border. Mr Rupnik was expelled from the Catholic Jesuit order in 2023, but remains a priest. He has been accused by about 25 people of various types of abuse. Most of his accusers are former Catholic nuns. In 2023, the Vatican reopened an investigation into the allegations. That is still ongoing. About five million Catholics visit the Lourdes basilica every year to experience the spring water of the area, which is said to have healing properties. On Monday, workers placed large coverings over many of the mosaics, Lourdes Bishop Jean-Marc Micas said. "A new symbolic step needed to be taken to facilitate entry into the basilica for all the people who today cannot cross its threshold," the bishop said, in an apparent reference to clergy abuse victims. He had previously declined to cover the images but ordered in July 2024 that they no longer be illuminated at night. Laura Sgro, a lawyer representing five of Mr Rupnik's alleged victims, welcomed the move on Monday. "Every believer, and not just every victim of abuse, must have an open heart when praying, and this cannot happen if they have to kneel before a work of art that was likely the place where abuse was experienced," she said in a statement. Mr Rupnik's artwork is thought to adorn some 200 churches and chapels around the world, and is also known to adorn at least one chapel at the Vatican. Vatican officials have largely declined to comment on the allegations, citing the ongoing investigation into Rupnik. Cardinal Victor Fernandez, the Catholic Church's chief doctrine official, said earlier this month that he was starting to contact lawyers who could serve as judges in a likely church trial against Rupnik. Last week, the Jesuit order began reaching out to some of Rupnik's alleged victims to start a process of offering reparations on a case-by-case basis. Ms Sgro called the letters a "clear, strong and concrete gesture" and "an important step forward".
Reuters
31-03-2025
- Reuters
Catholic shrine in Lourdes covers artwork by priest accused of abuse
Summary Lourdes covers Rupnik's mosaics amid abuse allegations Vatican has reopened investigation into accused priest Jesuits contact alleged victims over possible reparations VATICAN CITY, March 31 (Reuters) - The sanctuary of Lourdes, one of the world's most popular Catholic pilgrimage sites, began on Monday to cover up a series of mosaics made by a prominent priest with ties to the Vatican who has been accused of sexual abuse. The artwork is by Rev. Marko Rupnik, an internationally known artist, who has been accused by about 25 people, mostly former Catholic nuns, of various types of abuse. The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here. Rupnik, who was expelled from the Catholic Jesuit order in 2023 but remains a priest, is not known to have commented publicly on the accusations. The Vatican in 2023 reopened an investigation into his conduct, which is ongoing. Mosaics by Rupnik adorn the facade of the Rosary Basilica in Lourdes, near the France-Spain border, where some five million Catholics and other faithful visit each year to experience spring water that is said to have healing properties. Workers placed large coverings over many of the images on Monday, Lourdes Bishop Jean-Marc Micas said in a statement. "A new symbolic step needed to be taken to facilitate entry into the basilica for all the people who today cannot cross its threshold," said the bishop, in an apparent reference to clergy abuse victims. Micas had previously declined to cover the images but ordered in July 2024 that they no longer be illuminated at night. Laura Sgro, a lawyer representing five of Rupnik's alleged victims, welcomed the covering of the images. "Every believer, and not just every victim of abuse, must have an open heart when praying, and this cannot happen if they have to kneel before a work of art that was likely the place where abuse was experienced," Sgro said in a statement. Rupnik's artwork is thought to adorn some 200 churches and chapels around the world, and is also known to adorn at least one chapel at the Vatican. Vatican officials have largely declined to comment on the allegations, citing the ongoing investigation into Rupnik. Cardinal Victor Fernandez, the Catholic Church's chief doctrine official, told reporters earlier this month that he was starting to contact lawyers who could serve as judges in a likely Church trial against Rupnik. Last week, the Jesuit order began reaching out to some of Rupnik's alleged victims to start a process of offering reparations on a case-by-case basis. Sgro called the letters a "clear, strong and concrete gesture" and "an important step forward".
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
Catholic shrine in Lourdes covers artwork by priest accused of abuse
By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The sanctuary of Lourdes, one of the world's most popular Catholic pilgrimage sites, began on Monday to cover up a series of mosaics made by a prominent priest with ties to the Vatican who has been accused of sexual abuse. The artwork is by Rev. Marko Rupnik, an internationally known artist, who has been accused by about 25 people, mostly former Catholic nuns, of various types of abuse. Rupnik, who was expelled from the Catholic Jesuit order in 2023 but remains a priest, is not known to have commented publicly on the accusations. The Vatican in 2023 reopened an investigation into his conduct, which is ongoing. Mosaics by Rupnik adorn the facade of the Rosary Basilica in Lourdes, near the France-Spain border, where some five million Catholics and other faithful visit each year to experience spring water that is said to have healing properties. Workers placed large coverings over many of the images on Monday, Lourdes Bishop Jean-Marc Micas said in a statement. "A new symbolic step needed to be taken to facilitate entry into the basilica for all the people who today cannot cross its threshold," said the bishop, in an apparent reference to clergy abuse victims. Micas had previously declined to cover the images but ordered in July 2024 that they no longer be illuminated at night. Laura Sgro, a lawyer representing five of Rupnik's alleged victims, welcomed the covering of the images. "Every believer, and not just every victim of abuse, must have an open heart when praying, and this cannot happen if they have to kneel before a work of art that was likely the place where abuse was experienced," Sgro said in a statement. Rupnik's artwork is thought to adorn some 200 churches and chapels around the world, and is also known to adorn at least one chapel at the Vatican. Vatican officials have largely declined to comment on the allegations, citing the ongoing investigation into Rupnik. Cardinal Victor Fernandez, the Catholic Church's chief doctrine official, told reporters earlier this month that he was starting to contact lawyers who could serve as judges in a likely Church trial against Rupnik. Last week, the Jesuit order began reaching out to some of Rupnik's alleged victims to start a process of offering reparations on a case-by-case basis. Sgro called the letters a "clear, strong and concrete gesture" and "an important step forward".
