While Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec, a senior Vatican official, faces sexual assault charges in Canada, Pope Francis has ruled out opening an investigation due to a lack of “sufficient evidence”.

Pope Francis expresses his confidence in him. This Thursday, the High Priest announced that he would rule out the opening of a preliminary investigation into Cardinal Marc Ouellet, accused of sexual assault in Canada. According to him, there were “insufficient elements to start an investigation”.

The current prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, one of the Vatican’s most important functions, Marc Ouellet, 78, is accused of handling an intern as “inappropriately” qualified between 2008 and 2010. At that time the churchman was Archbishop of Québec.

These revelations follow Pope Francis’ visit to Canada in July. During his trip, he apologized on behalf of the Catholic Church for the aggression committed by religious in residential homes for natives.

A preliminary study from 2021

Complainant F. states that she has been attacked several times. The first story dates back to 2008, when the cardinal reportedly “massaging her shoulders vigorously” and stroking her back and “hugging her tightly.” As she pushed him away, the man came back to her. She described “the feeling of being hunted”.

Two years later, Marc Ouellet would have “kissed” her and “shoved his hand towards her”. [mon] to back up [mes] Buttocks”.

In 2021, Pope Francis responded to F.’s reporting letter and appointed “Father Jacques Servais to examine the cardinal”. On the basis of the elements collected by the latter and sent to the Pope, the latter would have decided to rule out an investigation.

The Catholic Church is facing multiple reports of harassment and sexual assault in Canada.