LifeSiteNews reports that five women who allege sexual abuse by Father Marko Ivan Rupnik have published an open letter to Pope Leo XIV ahead of his trip to Lourdes, claiming the Vatican’s continued “resounding and prolonged silence” on the case is “a further and ongoing form of violence.”
Letter names five signatories and a demand
According to LifeSiteNews, the letter is signed by Gloria Branciani, Mirjam Kovač, Sister Samuelle, Vida Bernard, and “Pia,” a pseudonym the authors say is used out of fear of reprisals. The women ask Pope Leo to ensure “a fair trial,” calling for “clarity, transparency, speed, impartiality and the independence of the judges,” and write, “We need the Truth, Your Holiness.”
‘Silence’ from DDF alleged; lawyer says no replies
The letter states that their attorney, Laura Sgrò, “despite having repeatedly urged the [Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith] by every means possible,” has received no response. The signatories say they “have learnt only from the press that legal proceedings have begun against Father Rupnik,” adding that the lack of communication is experienced as “silence and abandonment by the judicial system.”
Lourdes mosaics covered; contrast with victims’ experience
The authors reference Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes, whose decision to permanently cover Rupnik’s mosaics on the basilica façade they call a “powerful and courageous gesture.” They contrast that move with what they describe as public vilification, writing that they have been “slandered” as “prostitutes” and “liars,” and accused of taking money to make allegations.
Prior reporting cited by LifeSiteNews
LifeSiteNews previously reported that letters from 22 women—identified as former members of the Loyola Community spiritually advised by Rupnik—described alleged abuse. The outlet also states that while Pope Leo has suppressed some of Rupnik’s artwork, he has neither excommunicated nor laicized him; it adds that Rupnik’s 2020 automatic excommunication was swiftly revoked under Pope Francis.
