"The Expanding Shadow of the Rupnik Affair"

The case of Marko Rupnik, a disgraced celebrity muralist and former Jesuit priest, highlights the lack of accountability within the Catholic Church regarding sexual abuse. Despite allegations of serial abuse against Rupnik, the Jesuits expelled him for disobedience rather than prosecuting him. The statement from the superior of the Jesuits' international houses, Fr. Johan Verschueren, expressed regret for Rupnik's expulsion but failed to address the victims' claims. Pope Francis, who has been reluctant to use new laws to prosecute abuse cases involving adults, risks perpetuating the notion of special treatment if he does not take action against Rupnik. The lack of transparency and justice in addressing abuse within the Church undermines Francis' promises of reform.