Five women who say they suffered sexual and psychological abuse by Slovenian priest Rev. Marko Rupnik have appealed directly to Pope Leo III, urging him to push for a swift conclusion to the Vatican’s nearly year‑long trial of the cleric. The open letter, released ahead of the Pope’s four‑day visit to France, argues that the secrecy and length of the proceedings undermine the Church’s commitment to victims.
Letter calls for transparent, timely justice
“This is the message being conveyed … that it is useless to report abuse to ecclesiastical authorities, because nothing happens anyway and no one will be held accountable,” the letter reads. The victims say they have received no updates on the trial and have not been allowed to give testimony, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.
They ask Pope Leo III to ensure the trial is fair and that any judgment – whatever its outcome – will be free of doubt. Their plea comes as the Pope prepares to travel to Lourdes, France, where he hopes to restore the Church’s standing after recent abuse scandals in that country.
Background on Rev. Marko Rupnik
Rev. Marko Rupnik is a Slovenian priest known for his religious art; his mosaics decorate roughly 200 churches and chapels worldwide, including a basilica in Lourdes. In 2023, the Jesuit order expelled him after deeming the accusations against him “very highly” credible. More than 20 women, most of them former nuns, have come forward with allegations of sexual and psychological abuse.
The Vatican’s doctrinal office announced the Church trial in October 2025. Such trials are conducted behind closed doors, and updates have been scarce. In July, the Vatican denied reports that a decision had already been reached.
Vatican response and upcoming papal visit
The Vatican press office has not yet commented on the victims’ letter. The bishop of Lourdes has ordered that Rupnik’s mosaics be covered for the Pope’s upcoming visit, a symbolic move that underscores the sensitivity of the situation.
As Pope Leo III prepares for his French itinerary, the victims hope his influence can bring greater transparency to the process. Their appeal reflects a broader call within the global Catholic community for the Church to address abuse allegations promptly and openly, reinforcing the faith’s moral authority.
Implications for the Church
Should the Pope intervene, it could signal a shift toward more public accountability in Vatican judicial matters. Critics argue that the closed‑door nature of such trials erodes trust among the faithful, while supporters contend that confidentiality protects the rights of all parties involved. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how the Holy See handles future abuse allegations.
Regardless of the trial’s result, the victims’ letter highlights the ongoing pain experienced by survivors and the urgent need for the Church to demonstrate compassion and justice.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
