Rupnik: Celebrated Artist or Scandalous Predator?
Rev. Marko Rupnik gained international recognition as a Jesuit artist, lending his artistic talents to the decoration of basilicas around the globe. However, his bright reputation is now overshadowed by serious allegations of sexual misconduct, turning him into a controversial figure within the church.
Following a sex scandal that tainted the legacy of the late Jesuit Pope Francis—who faced backlash for allegedly dismissing accusations of serious misconduct—the Vatican has now stepped in under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV. Judges have been appointed to address the claims made by over two dozen women who allege ‘sexual, spiritual, and psychological abuse’ perpetrated by Rupnik.
According to a report by the Associated Press, the Vatican’s office overseeing clergy sexual abuse cases, known as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, has selected a panel of five judges to oversee the Rupnik case. This panel includes a balanced mix of women and priests, all of whom lack roles in the Vatican’s bureaucratic machinery.
“The rationale behind this composition was to uphold the autonomy and independence of the court process,” the Vatican indicated.
On Monday, the Vatican’s doctrine office announced it has nominated a panel of five judges to review the disciplinary case against Father Marko Rupnik, accused of sexual and psychological abuse of consecrated women under his spiritual guidance. https://t.co/M2wNDDUsDJ
— Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) October 13, 2025
BREAKING: The Vatican announced that on October 9, five judges were appointed to handle the Fr. Marko Rupnik case.
These judges are independent clergy and women with no existing positions within the Roman Curia.
The case was reopened in October 2023; however, Cardinal Fernández previously stated that judges had been chosen back in July. pic.twitter.com/gUNFeln0vP
— Michael Haynes (@MLJHaynes) October 13, 2025
“This statement implies a recognition that the previous handling of Rupnik’s allegations by the Vatican lacked true independence,” suggests critics.
Few may grasp the significance of the ‘Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith,’ but its historical moniker, the Holy Inquisition, may ring bells of recognition for many.
Originally established to safeguard the Catholic Church from heresy, this body is charged with formulating and upholding Catholic doctrine. It’s regarded as a prestigious office; for instance, former Pope Benedict XVI, who once served as Archbishop Joseph Ratzinger, led it effectively during the papacy of John Paul II.
However, Pope Francis, who has taken on the ambitious (and some say destructive) mission of reforming Catholic Doctrine, appointed Monsignor Victor Manuel Fernández as the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, raising eyebrows. Fernández, the archbishop of La Plata, Argentina, has been previously accused of covering up sexual abuse allegations in his archdiocese and even authored a book on the ‘Art of Kissing.’
Articles published in early 2024 hinted at the repercussions of Francis’s and Fernández’s lack of decisive action against sexual violence within church ranks. With each new scandal, questions increasingly loom large about the Church’s commitment to safeguarding its members.
