(Montreal) The Archdiocese of Quebec confirms that it has received a second complaint regarding allegations of sexual misconduct against Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the capital’s former Archbishop.
Posted at 2:26 p.m
In a letter dated June 23, 2021, the current Archbishop of Québec, Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, informed the complainant that her allegations had been “transmitted directly to Pope Francis,” who ordered an internal preliminary investigation.
After this investigation, however, the Pope decided “not to accept the accusation made,” writes Cardinal Lacroix. He states that Pope Francis “had found no reason to retrospectively examine the accusation at the expense of Cardinal Ouellet”.
Cardinal Lacroix’s letter was published this week by the French Catholic weekly Golias Hebdo, which edited the applicant’s name. A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Quebec confirmed the authenticity of the letter on Friday.
Last week, another woman who accused Cardinal Ouellet of sexual assault came forward and accused the Catholic Church of trying to silence her “with threats and intimidation.”
Paméla Groleau, who is part of a large class-action lawsuit filed against the Archdiocese of Quebec in August, said she initially wanted to remain anonymous to protect her family, job and mental health.
The allegations have not been tested in court and Cardinal Ouellet retaliated last month by filing a defamation lawsuit against Ms Groleau.
Cardinal Marc Ouellet, now a member of the Roman Curia at the Vatican, categorically denies Ms. Groleau’s allegations and is demanding $100,000 in damages from her.
This story was prepared with financial support for the News from Meta Exchanges and The Canadian Press.