The Vatican forms an independent tribunal to judge former Jesuit Marko Rupnik.
Rome (July 7, 2025, 3:55 PM, Gaudium Press) — The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, announced that independent judges external to the Dicastery will preside over the canonical penal process against Marko Ivan Rupnik.
The Holy See has formally established a canonical tribunal to try the case of Marko Rupnik, a former Jesuit priest and renowned mosaic artist accused of abusing religious sisters. The announcement was made on July 3 by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Speaking to the press after a Vatican press conference during which a new “Mass for the Care of Creation” was introduced, Fernández confirmed that the tribunal will consist entirely of judges “independent and external” to the Dicastery he leads.
“This decision is aimed at eliminating any suspicion that the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith or the Holy See has a vested interest in the outcome or is under pressure,” Fernández stated. “The judges were selected precisely because they are irreproachable and raise no doubts regarding impartiality.”
“This decision is aimed at eliminating any suspicion that the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith or the Holy See has a vested interest in the outcome or is under pressure,” Fernández stated. “The judges were selected precisely because they are irreproachable and raise no doubts regarding impartiality.” The names of the appointed judges have not yet been made public, nor has the start date of the canonical process been announced. Fernández stressed that the tribunal must first complete procedural formalities, including the formal notification of the victims — a step he described as technically complex and requiring absolute confidentiality.
The case of Rupnik, a Slovenian priest once celebrated for his religious mosaics and spiritual retreats, has rocked the Church. Former members of religious communities have come forward in recent years, accusing Rupnik of manipulative and abusive behavior spanning decades, often in the context of spiritual direction or confession.
The Vatican initially excommunicated Rupnik for absolving in confession a person with whom he had committed a sin against the sixth commandment — a gravely serious canonical crime. However, the excommunication was lifted just one month later under unclear circumstances, raising concerns about consistency and accountability in canonical procedures.
When asked about this reversal, Cardinal Fernández replied: “That happens more often than people imagine, sometimes even over the course of a single day.”
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
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