Vatican keeps trial of ex‑Jesuit priest Marko Rupnik confidential amid abuse allegations

The Vatican confirmed that the canonical trial of former Jesuit priest Marko Rupnik, accused of psychological and sexual abuse of women in the 1990s in Ljubljana, Slovenia, is still under way. Vatican press secretary Matteo Bruni called circulating reports of an acquittal “absolutely unfounded” and said the tribunal continues to examine documentation from dioceses, the Society of Jesus, the parties involved and media sources.

The Holy See emphasized that confidentiality is necessary to protect due‑process rights and to avoid further harm to those affected. The case was reopened after Pope Francis waived the statute of limitations on the older claims, allowing a proper canonical criminal proceeding. Rupnik, who was briefly excommunicated in 2020 for absolving a woman with whom he had a sexual relationship, remains a priest and denies wrongdoing.