This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell give an update on the new facts that have emerged in the case of the Jesuit artist Marko Rupnik, who was suspended from parts of his ministry in response to allegations of abuse against him.

The facts are difficult to confirm, so this week on the podcast Colleen and Gerry also explain the process they use to determine whether information is credible.

The day after this episode was recorded, Father Arturo Sosa, superior general of the Society of Jesus, confirmed to the Associated Press that in 2019, two years prior to the most recent allegations of abuse, Father Rupnik had been “convicted and sanctioned” by the Vatican for granting absolution in the confessional to a woman with whom he had “engaged in sexual activity.” A priest absolving someone of a sin he committed with that person is a serious crime according to church law, and it results in automatic excommunication. The excommunication can only be lifted if the priest admits to the crime, which Father Sosa said Father Rupnik did. You can read more on this story here.

In the second part of the show, Gerry and Colleen turn their focus to Ukraine. Pope Francis grew overwhelmed with emotion last week while praying for what he calls the “martyred” nation, pausing in the middle of his prayer to choke back tears. The hosts recount how Russian and Ukrainian have responded to this display of emotion, and Gerry provides some historical context for past times popes have cried publicly.

Links from the show:

‘We have not hidden anything’: Jesuit superior general interviewed on abuse allegations against Marko Rupnik

Jesuit abuse expert calls for more Vatican transparency in how it dealt with a prominent Jesuit artist

Jesuits reveal artist had been excommunicated for absolving woman for engaging in sexual activity with him

Pope Francis breaks down in tears while praying to Mary for peace in Ukraine

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