The Holy See Press Office has officially denied reports suggesting a supposed acquittal of the former Slovenian Jesuit Marko Ivan Rupnik. In a statement sent to accredited journalists and shared by Vatican correspondent Michael Haynes, the Vatican asserts that the news about a decision adopted by the tribunal “lacks any foundation whatsoever” and emphasizes that the canonical process “remains ongoing.”
The Holy See explains that the panel of judges continues to examine the documentation provided by the dioceses involved, the Society of Jesus, the interested parties, and even materials published by the press. It further adds that, while the proceedings remain open, no information about the investigation can be made public, both out of respect for the judicial process and to avoid causing harm to all those involved. It also clarifies that, should the tribunal deem it necessary to gather new information, it will do so on its own initiative.
The statement responds to reports that have appeared in recent days regarding the status of the canonical proceedings against Rupnik and officially clarifies that the examination of the case continues and that no decision has been made by the tribunal.
The Press Office also recalls that this is a canonical criminal process of a judicial nature, not subject to prescription, which must determine Rupnik’s guilt or innocence in accordance with Canon Law. At the same time, it emphasizes that the former Jesuit remains subject to the legislation of the countries where the alleged acts were committed, whose statutes of limitations are independent of ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
The case against Rupnik is currently in the hands of a tribunal composed of five independent judges, external both to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and to the Roman Curia. The opening of the proceedings was announced by Leo XIV last November, when he called for patience, noting that “processes to deliver justice require time.” Since then, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has maintained strict silence regarding the progress of the case, until this statement officially denying that any resolution by the tribunal already exists.