The Holy See Press Office states: “With regard to certain reports that have appeared in the media in recent days, I wish to reiterate that claims that the judges handling the case of the Reverend Marko Ivan Rupnik have reached any decision whatsoever are entirely unfounded. The case remains under review, and the panel is examining documentation received from the dioceses involved, the Jesuits, the parties concerned and reports published in the press.
During the proceedings, as in any judicial process, no information concerning the work under way may be disclosed in any form, out of respect for the proceedings themselves and in order to avoid causing distress to all those involved in the case, as occurred in recent days. Should the panel consider that it requires further information, it will take the necessary steps independently to obtain it.
This canonical criminal trial is judicial in nature and, as previously announced, is being conducted with any applicable limitation periods waived. It will therefore be able to establish whether or not guilt has been proven under Canon Law.
Canon Law may adjudicate and impose penalties in matters concerning the internal life of the Church, while the Reverend Marko Ivan Rupnik remains subject to the laws of the countries in which any offences may have been committed. The limitation periods applicable to such offences are determined by the legislation of each individual country, independently of the ecclesiastical authority.”
