One of Pope Francis' closest collaborators and a member of the C9, a kind of Crown Council, has recorded a long video saying that he has never abused anyone and has never had inappropriate behavior towards anyone. While waiting for the civil trial to open, Canadian Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix, 66, has temporarily suspended himself from all duties and strongly rejected all allegations of sexual violence. "As far as I know, I have never made inappropriate gestures towards anyone, whether they are minors or adults. I will face every legal step with a pure soul and a calm conscience," said the Archbishop of Quebec in a video message published on the website of the archdiocese on Tuesday. "It is an opportunity, as Archbishop of Quebec, to reiterate that we are always in favor of the victims, and I thank all those who have shown solidarity. My comfort is in God who never abandons us."
Last week, Canadian media reported that a complaint had been filed against Lacroix. The man allegedly touched and molested a 17-year-old girl during two religious meetings between 1987 and 1988. Lacroix's name appears in court documents as part of a large class action lawsuit against the Catholic Church, along with dozens of other names. The archdiocese, as well as other Catholic voices that intervened to put out the fire, assured that they will continue to collaborate and investigate cases of abuse that occurred in the past, also studying forms of compensation for the victims.
The archdiocese had already stated over the weekend that the cardinal would initially suspend his functions. Lacroix confirmed this in his message, emphasizing that it is not a resignation, "but a temporary withdrawal in order to better prepare the next steps and necessary decisions." This is somewhat reminiscent of what happened to another cardinal, George Pell, who resigned from all duties to face a long trial for pedophilia from which he was completely acquitted in Australia, ultimately.
Lacroix was created cardinal by Francis in 2014 and it was he who welcomed him on his trip to Canada two years ago. Meanwhile, another Canadian cardinal, Marc Ouellet, who was considered papabile during the 2013 conclave, has been hit by similar accusations. In this case too, Ouellet denies any involvement while waiting for the Canadian judiciary to shed light.
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