Vatican opens investigation into French Cardinal Ricard after admitting abuse

The Vatican opened a preliminary investigation into the cardinal and former archbishop of Bordeaux Jean-Pierre Ricard, who a few days ago admitted to having had a “reprehensible” attitude with a minor under 14 years of age 35 years ago and it is the first time that a cardinal has admitted a crime of this kind nature.

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“Following the elements that have emerged in recent days and following the statement by Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, in order to complete the examination of what happened, it was decided to open a preliminary investigation and is currently in the process of evaluating to the most suitable person to direct it, with the necessary autonomy, impartiality and experience, also taking into account that the French judicial authorities have opened a file on this case”Vatican sources told EFE this Friday.

Despite the fact that Ricard admitted to having abused the young woman, the Vatican did not take any action against the cardinal, since, according to praxis, a canonical process generally does not begin until the judicial authorities of a country, in this case France, they close theirs and only after concluding the civil trial the Church can request the documentation from the judicial authorities to be able to integrate it into its own evaluation.

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The French Episcopal Conference reported on November 7 that eleven French bishops or ex-bishops are the subject of proceedings before the Justice or before the canonical instances for sexual abuse.

These figures were communicated by the president of the Episcopal Conference, Eric de Moulins Beaufort, at a press conference on the occasion of the 90th Plenary Assembly to be held in Lourdes (south of France) from November 3 to 8.

One of them is the former Archbishop of Bordeaux Jean-Pierre Ricard, who in a statement acknowledged having had an attitude “reprehensible” with a minor under 14 years of age 35 years ago. This is the first time that a cardinal has admitted a crime of this nature on his own.

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“Thirty-five years ago, when I was a parish priest, I behaved reprehensibly towards a 14-year-old girl. My behavior necessarily caused serious and lasting consequences for this person. I explained it to him and asked for forgiveness, and I repeat my request for forgiveness here, as well as to all his family ”, wrote the cardinal.

Ricard, archbishop emeritus of Bordeaux (France), was born on September 25, 1944 in Marseilles (France). He was ordained a priest on October 5, 1968 and Benedict XVI created him a cardinal on March 24, 2006 and was one of the electors of Pope Francis.

Being under 78 years old, the French cardinal can currently participate in a conclave to choose the next pontiff.

Source: Elcomercio

Ronald Payne

I, Ronald Payne, am a journalist and author who dedicated his life to telling the stories that need to be said. I have over 7 years of experience as a reporter and editor, covering everything from politics to business to crime.