Vatican continues canonical trial of Slovenian priest Marko Rupnik after new abuse letters emerge

The Vatican has confirmed that a canonical criminal process is underway against Slovenian Jesuit priest Marko Rupnik, who is accused of sexual, psychological and spiritual abuse of more than twenty women over several decades. The case gained new attention after 22 previously undisclosed letters, written in 2000 by women of the Slovenian Loyola Community, were found in the community’s archives now held by the Archdiocese of Ljubljana.

The letters were drafted at the request of community superior Ivanka Hosta and describe alleged misconduct by Rupnik while he served as their spiritual director. In December 2023 the Vatican ordered the dissolution of the Sisters of Loyola within a year. The Holy See has rejected online claims of Rupnik’s acquittal, stating the trial is ongoing and judges are reviewing documents from the diocese, the Jesuit order and the press. Rupnik denies the accusations.