Vatican denies reports of decisions in the Marko Ivan Rupnik case, saying the review is ongoing and the canonical criminal trial continues.
Newsroom (22/07/2026 Gaudium Press )The Vatican has firmly dismissed recent media reports suggesting that judges handling the case of Reverend Marko Ivan Rupnik have reached any decisions, stressing that the assessment remains ongoing and that no conclusions have yet been made public.
In a statement to journalists, Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said that reports concerning “any decision whatsoever” by the judges overseeing the case are “entirely unfounded.” His remarks were issued in response to information that had appeared in various media outlets in recent days.
According to Bruni, the review process is still underway. He explained that the panel responsible for examining the case is currently studying documentation received from the dioceses involved, the Society of Jesus, individuals connected to the case, and materials from the press.
Ongoing Review and Confidentiality
Bruni emphasized that no information regarding the panel’s ongoing work can be disclosed while the proceedings continue. He described this confidentiality as a standard requirement of judicial processes and said it is necessary both to respect the integrity of the proceedings and to protect those involved.
“During the proceedings, as with any judicial process, no information regarding the ongoing work can be shared in any way,” Bruni stated. He added that such discretion is also intended to avoid causing additional harm to individuals connected to the case, referencing developments that had occurred in recent days.
The Vatican spokesman further noted that the panel retains the authority to seek additional information if required. Should the judges determine that further evidence or documentation is necessary, they will independently take the appropriate steps to obtain it.
Nature of the Canonical Criminal Trial
The communication from the Holy See Press Office also provided clarification regarding the legal framework governing the proceedings. It stated that the case is being handled through a canonical criminal trial, a process judicial in nature under the Church’s legal system.
The Vatican underscored that the trial is moving forward despite any statutes of limitations that may apply to the alleged offenses. According to the statement, the process will determine, in accordance with Canon Law, whether the accused is guilty or not guilty.
The clarification appears aimed at addressing confusion surrounding the scope and authority of the Church’s judicial process. Canon Law governs matters related to the internal life of the Catholic Church and provides mechanisms for investigating allegations and imposing ecclesiastical penalties when warranted.
Distinction Between Church and Civil Jurisdiction
The Vatican also highlighted the distinction between ecclesiastical proceedings and civil legal systems. While Canon Law may evaluate conduct and impose penalties within the Church’s jurisdiction, the statement noted that Rupnik remains subject to the laws of any country where alleged crimes may have occurred.
As a result, questions concerning statutes of limitations under civil law are determined solely by the legislation of the relevant state authorities and operate independently from ecclesiastical proceedings.
The Holy See’s clarification reinforces that the canonical process and any potential civil investigations or legal actions exist in separate legal spheres, each governed by its own rules, standards, and jurisdictional authority.
For now, the Vatican’s position is clear: the review of the Rupnik case remains active, no judicial decision has been reached or announced, and the panel continues its examination of evidence and documentation before arriving at any determination under Canon Law.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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