A retired judge appointed by the Pope to investigate allegations of sexual assault against Cardinal G├йrald Cyprien Lacroix, the Archbishop of Quebec, found that there was no misconduct.
The report for Andr├й Denis’s preliminary canonical investigation was completed on May 6 and transferred to Pope Francis days later. Denis received the┬аmandate from the Pope on Feb. 8.
The Vatican said in a statement published Tuesday that it is not planning “further canonical procedure.”
“In the light of the facts examined by the judge, the report does not permit to identify any actions that amount to misconduct or abuse on the part of Cardinal G├йrald C. Lacroix,” the statement reads.┬а
Denis said the purpose of the canonical investigation was to assess whether the allegations are substantial enough to warrant a canonical trial, which is conducted by the church. The investigation was not meant to determine whether Lacroix is guilty.┬а
The alleged incidents involving Lacroix took place between 1987 and 1988 in Quebec City when the plaintiff was 17. Lacroix is accused of touching her without her consent. The victim’s lawyer, Alain Arsenault, said there was also fellatio┬аand penetration.
The allegations surfaced in January and are part of changes to a class-action lawsuit that targets the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Quebec. Lacroix denies the allegations, but on Jan. 26, 2024, stepped back from his functions “until the situation is cleared up.”
Pope Francis has allowed Denis to issue a statement summarizing the details of his investigation and to answer questions Tuesday at 10 a.m.┬а
