Prior to the convening, a cardinal implicated in sexual misconduct explicitly expressed his stance
Julie Cipriani, 81, finds herself in hot waters once again, this time for allegations of sexual misconduct that date back over four decades. The Peruvian cardinal, who was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001, was pushed into exile in his homeland by Pope Francis in 2015 after accusations of sexual abuse.
These allegations have recently resurfaced, with Cipriani's presence at the Vatican after Pope Francis' demise causing a stir amongst victims' associations.Associations have noticed his return, particularly during the pope's funeral, and view it as a troubling message that undermines trust in the selection process for the new pope.
Cipriani is said to have molested a teenager back in the 1980s, accusations that the Vatican confirmed in January by imposing specific disciplinary measures related to Cipriani's public activities, residency, and the use of his insignia. The Peruvian Network of Survivors describe his reappearance at the Vatican as "a troubling message that undermines confidence in the criteria for choosing the next pope."
Despite these measures, Cipriani has continued to defy them, flouting the ban by appearing in public with a black cassock and a pectoral cross. In a letter published in Peruvian media, Cipriani claims that Pope Francis granted him permission in 2020 to resume his pastoral duties. He denies any wrongdoing, stating emphatically, "I have committed no crime and I have not sexually abused anyone, neither in 1983, nor before, nor after."
However, the victim, now 58, has accused Cipriani of touching, caressing, and kissing him when he was a teenager. Despite his presence at the Vatican, Cipriani will not be eligible to participate in the conclave that will elect the next pope, as he has surpassed the age limit of 80 years.
This incident highlights a complex and ongoing issue within the Church, raising questions about the Vatican's handling of such allegations, and the rights of those accused to assert their innocence. As the Church prepares to elect a new pope, these questions will likely play a significant role in the selection process, with victims' associations and survivors demanding greater transparency and accountability from the Church.
- The Peruvian Network of Survivors has recalled the unwelcome return of Cardinal Julie Cipriani at the Vatican, viewing it as a troubling message that undermines trust in the selection process for the new pope.
- Despite denying any wrongdoing, Cardinal Julie Cipriani has been confirmed to have faced accusations of molesting a teenager in the 1980s, allegations that the Vatican confirmed in January.
- Contrary to his claims of receiving permission to resume his pastoral duties from Pope Francis in 2020, Cardinal Julie Cipriani, now 81, will not be eligible to participate in the conclave that will elect the next pope due to the age limit of 80 years.
- The incident involving Cardinal Julie Cipriani serves as a label for a complex and ongoing issue within the Church, where questions about the Vatican's handling of such allegations and the rights of those accused to assert their innocence are part of general-news and crime-and-justice discussions.
