In that lawsuit, a woman identified as “F” alleges that she was touched against her will by Cardinal Mark Ouellet and forced into sexual acts by another priest, Father Leopoldo Manilavarsha.
According to the lawsuit, “F” said she met Ouellet at dinner in 2008 when she was working as an intern at the Diocese of Quebec. F looked up and saw Cardinal Mark Ouellet standing behind her massaging her shoulder. Smile, pat her on the back and walk away.”
In his lawsuit, “F” said the incident was intrusive and unsettling.
According to the lawsuit, in another incident in 2008, “F'” made contact with Ouellet again. Loudly replied, Cardinal Mark Ouellet casually kissed “F” even though they had only met once. He held her tight, stroking her back with her hands twice in front of her.
“F” claimed her last contact with Ouellet was in February 2010. According to the lawsuit, Ouellet told her that “it wouldn’t hurt for her to indulge herself a little” so she could kiss him again.
According to the lawsuit, “F” said he didn’t say anything because he was worried that his internship and professional future depended on Ouellet.
According to the lawsuit, after attending training on sexual assault, “F” began having flashbacks of what she said she had experienced with Cardinal Mark Ouellett. Realizing that the exchange touched on a sexual nature without consent and therefore constituted sexual assault, she decided to tell her new partner and several female friends.
One of these friends advised her to consult the Advisory Committee on Sexual Abuse of Minors and Vulnerable People of the Catholic Church of Quebec regarding these sexual assaults, according to the lawsuit.
According to a statement released by Matteo Bruni, the Vatican’s Press Director, the preliminary investigation conducted by the Fr. Jacques Servais, SI, at the Pope’s request, concluded that “there are no factors initiating a sexual assault trial against Cardinal Ouellet.”
“After further due consultation, Pope Francis declares that there are insufficient factors to initiate a formal investigation into the sexual assault of Cardinal Ouellet against a person named F,” Bruni said in a statement.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Quebec has acknowledged the allegations made in the lawsuit against Cardinal Ouellet, but said it had no comment.
Additionally, in the lawsuit, “F” described a sexual assault by another priest from the Diocese of Quebec, Father Leopoldo Manilavarsha.
According to the filing, “F” claimed to have been coerced into having sex for Manila Barsha while she was a parish official. In her lawsuit, she claimed, she revealed that one day Manila Barsha expected him to take her to his library and perform oral sex on her. ‘F’ complied with his request and thought there was no other way.
According to the lawsuit, Manila Barsha sexually assaulted her about 15 times in various locations, including church grounds and a hotel.
The Archdiocese of Quebec has confirmed that Manila Barucha remains a Catholic priest, saying, “However, he has been off duty following a suspension since the beginning of April. Therefore, until the entire case is resolved, the He cannot make pastoral interventions in people.”
Cardinal Marc Ouellet has been one of the most prominent Vatican cardinals for over a decade. His name was mentioned as a pope candidate at his 2013 conclave, according to his CNN report at the time.
He has headed the Vatican’s powerful episcopal office since 2010. This office is responsible for the examination and supervision of Catholic bishops around the world and works closely with Pope Francis. Cardinal Ouellet usually meets with the Pope weekly to keep him informed of developments in his office, according to published bulletins of the Papal Synod.
In 2019, at the age of 75, Ouellet submitted his resignation to Pope Francis as required by Vatican law, but Francis declined it after CNN confirmed Ouellet remained in his position. I did not accept it.
In an email to CNN, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said it could not confirm whether there was a criminal investigation and that an investigation would normally be confirmed when criminal charges were recommended against someone. .
CNN contacted the Quebec City Criminals and Criminal Prosecution Director about a possible criminal investigation and was told in an email that there is no public information about the case at this time.
SNAP, a priest abuse survivor network that has been helping victims of institutionalized sexual abuse for 30 years, has issued a statement. We recognize, in particular, that Cardinal Ouelett’s alleged victim will undoubtedly come under intense public scrutiny, especially given the prominence of the man she accused, and we recognizes it. It takes a lot of courage to step forward. ”
Source: www.cnn.com
