(Rome) The Holy See has officially protested against a ruling by a French court against Cardinal Marc Ouellet for expelling a nun from his parish “without cause.”
According to French media, a court in Lorient, Brittany, ruled on April 3 in favor of Nun Sabine de la Valette, then known as Mother Marie Ferrol, who was forced to resign from the Dominican Order of the Holy Spirit, after an investigation by Vatican authorities.
In a press statement published on Saturday, the Vatican said that it only learned of the court’s decision through “the press.” He stressed that this could “lead to a serious violation of the fundamental rights to religious freedom and freedom of association of the Catholic faithful.”
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis assigned Cardinal Marc Ouellet, then head of the Congregation of Bishops, to lead the investigation. After the visit of the Cardinal of Quebec, legal action was taken against Mr.I Valletta, particularly her expulsion from the religious order that had recruited her 34 years earlier.
The statement says the ruling also raises important questions about whether Ms.love Ouellet as a representative of a sovereign state.
Cardinal Marc Ouellet also resigned from these high positions in January 2023, officially “due to the age limit,” when he was accused of sexual assault in Quebec.
“Differences”
French media reported that the Lorient court ruled that the nun's dismissal was without cause. M orderedlove Ouellet, the religious order and other defenders must pay more than 200,000 euros (more than 293,000 Canadian dollars) for material damages and moral damages.
French daily Le Figaro Reports indicate “differences regarding the management of this religious community, expressed by Sister Marie Ferrol, which were exacerbated by personality factors” and could have led to its exclusion.
The convicts appealed the case.
The Vatican frequently investigates religious communities and dioceses following complaints of sexual misconduct, financial impropriety or other types of abuse. He considers that the measures he takes are part of the internal management of the Catholic Church.
With Agence France-Presse
“Total coffee aficionado. Travel buff. Music ninja. Bacon nerd. Beeraholic.”
