Cardinal Gerald Lacroix, Archbishop of Quebec leaves after he delivering a speech during a mass in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014. An investigation commissioned by the Vatican has concluded Lacroix did not commit sexual misconduct.THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Andrew Medichini
QUEBEC – A retired judge mandated by the Vatican to investigate sexual misconduct allegations against a Quebec cardinal says that despite the complainant refusing to collaborate with the probe, he could find no evidence tying the church leader to the alleged crimes.
Retired Quebec Superior Court judge André Denis says that while his investigation doesn’t exonerate Cardinal Gérald Lacroix, it hasn’t uncovered evidence to justify a canonical trial.
“The elements gathered during the investigation make it implausible that the events associated with the cardinal occurred,” Denis told a news conference in Quebec City.
The allegations against Lacroix, the archbishop of Quebec City, emerged in January when he was named as a perpetrator in a class-action lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by clergy and staff. The alleged sexual touching involving Lacroix took place between 1987 and 1988 in Quebec City when the unnamed female plaintiff was 17.
The archbishop has denied the allegations, which have not been tested in court, and described the claim as “unfounded.”
Denis admitted to reporters that his report was incomplete because the complainant refused to take part in his investigation. But he said that despite his extensive search through church archives and the interviews he conducted, he could find nothing to substantiate the allegations.
“I am unable to say whether or not the alleged act took place,” Denis said. “I’m even unable to identify a place, an event, a precise date or any other circumstance. The plaintiff’s refusal to co-operate in any way with my investigation has left me at a loss.”
Pope Francis asked Denis in February to conduct an investigation into “the facts, circumstances and imputability” of the allegations against Lacroix.
The Vatican says Denis’ report does not “permit to identify any actions that amount to misconduct or abuse” and “no further canonical procedure” is expected.
Despite his conclusions, Denis says that if the complainant chooses to speak with him, he would ask the Vatican to extend his mandate and resume the investigation.
“It’s never too late,” Denis said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 21, 2024.
