Fr. Rupnik, SJ, is internationally recognized for his artistic works, for example, the mosaic placed in the back wall of the presbytery of the Basilica of the Holy Trinity in Fatima, Portugal.
Newsroom (7/12/2022 11:28 PM, Gaudium Press) — As media reported that the excommunication of Fr. Marko Rupnik SJ from Slovenia had been lifted yesterday, Rome Reports informs that the Society of Jesus has maintained precautionary measures against this priest. In an official communiqué on December 2, the Jesuits report that these measures continue in force until today.
Fr. Rupnik, SJ, is internationally recognized for his artistic works, for example, the mosaic placed in the back wall of the presbytery of the Basilica of the Holy Trinity in Fatima, Portugal.
The cautionary measures, set to prevent any possible liabilities, make it impossible for this priest to confess, lead spiritual exercises, or advise people spiritually. Likewise, he cannot exercise public activity without authorization from the local superior.
Last week, Media circulated that in early 2022, an ecclesiastical tribunal would have declared the priest excommunicated according to canon 977 of the Code of Canon Law, stating that “The absolution of an accomplice in a sin against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue is invalid except in danger of death.”
Furthermore, according to canon 1378 §1, “a priest who acts against the prescript of can. 977 incurs a latae sententiae excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See,” meaning that only the Pope can lift it.
The Company’s communiqué of December 2 notes that the cautionary measures taken by the Society of Jesus follow directives from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF). The DDF, in turn, referred to denunciations presented against the priest in 2021 without mentioning any other particulars than “his manner of exercising the ministry.”
The communiqué states that, following the Dicastery’s advice, the Society of Jesus appointed a religious instructor from outside the institution to investigate.
After examining the results, the DDF concluded that the facts in question should be considered time-barred, closing the case at the beginning of October 2022. The fact that “there are no minors involved” allows the statute of limitations.
According to a source consulted by Aciprensa, the alleged victims were at least nine women. They reported the facts to the commissioner of the Loyola Community in Ljubljana, who made a canonical visit. The Community was founded by a nun of whom Fr. Rupnik was a friend and spiritual father.
The Jesuits’ statement, however, clarifies that the cautionary measures are still in force today, as administrative measures, even after the response of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
