Lawyer in sensitive Vatican abuse case issues scathing critique of church's secretive legal system

Laura Sgro, lawyer for five women alleging abuse by Rev. Marko Ivan Rupnik, criticized the Vatican's secretive legal system for denying clients trial details.

The Vatican has never disclosed alleged crimes in Rupnik's canonical trial, making it impossible to verify reports of his absolution.

Rupnik was expelled from the Jesuits in 2023 after over two dozen women accused him of sexual, spiritual, or psychological abuse spanning 30 years.

The Rupnik scandal involves claims that he was protected by Jesuit superiors and Vatican hierarchy, including Pope Francis, for over three decades.

Vatican officials stated the case is ongoing, while Rupnik remains a priest and supporters deny wrongdoing.