Prominent Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet denies second allegation of sexual misconduct – Montreal | 24CA News
Quebec Cardinal Marc is denying allegations of sexual misconduct made in opposition to him by a girl in 2020.
On Friday, the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Quebec City confirmed that it had acquired a second criticism in opposition to Ouellet, the previous archbishop within the provincial capital.
A Vatican investigation was performed within the wake of the second criticism in opposition to Ouellet, however Pope Francis determined “not to retain the accusation against the cardinal” who now serves as head of the Vatican’s bishops’ workplace
In a written assertion despatched to media at this time, Ouellet confirmed his participation within the investigation and says he has “nothing to hide,” including he acted with “complete transparency” throughout the whole course of.
READ MORE: Second allegation of sexual misconduct surfaces in opposition to distinguished Quebec cardinal
Ouellet denies having dedicated any “reprehensible behaviour” in direction of the lady and says no criticism has been filed in opposition to him in civil or prison courtroom.
Allegations regarding the cardinal first surfaced final summer time in a class-action lawsuit in opposition to the archdiocese of Quebec, and final week one of many complainants revealed her identification and accused the Catholic Church of making an attempt to silence her via “threats and intimidation.”
Pamela Groleau, considered one of 140 complainants behind the go well with, mentioned she initially stored her identification secret to guard her household, her job and her psychological well being.
In the lawsuit, Groleau accused Ouellet of a number of incidents of sexual assault between 2008 — when she was 23 — and 2010, together with sliding his hand down her again and touching her buttocks at an occasion in Quebec City.
The allegations haven’t been examined in courtroom, and Ouellet final month countersued Groleau in Quebec Superior Court for defamation, denying the allegations and in search of $100,000 in damages
The second allegation was reported this week by the French Catholic weekly Golias Hebdo, which additionally revealed a letter with the lady’s identify redacted – dated June 23, 2021. In the letter, present Quebec City archbishop Gerald Cyprien Lacroix knowledgeable her that her criticism wouldn’t be pursued.
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