ROME (AP) — A retired Canadian judge said Tuesday he couldn’t find any reliable evidence of sexual misconduct by the archbishop of Quebec, after the purported victim refused to cooperate with his investigation and the cardinal strongly denied the claim.
Pope Francis had tasked André Denis, a retired judge of the Superior Court of Québec, to conduct a preliminary investigation for the Catholic Church into claims against Archbishop Gérald Lacroix that surfaced in January.
The allegations were contained in an amended class-action lawsuit filed in Canadian court against 100 current and former church personnel of the archdiocese.
Denis’ investigation has no bearing on that lawsuit and concerns only the church’s handling of the allegations, since the Vatican has its own procedures to deal with misconduct claims against clergy. The Vatican said Tuesday that based on Denis’ report, it planned no canonical trial against Lacroix, 66.
Parker and Sloan combine to pitch a three
Lugo pitches 7 crisp innings as the Royals beat the White Sox 2
Hezbollah praises Iranian attack on Israel
More innovation urged in fight to end tuberculosis
Cincinnati Bengals plan to spend up to $120 million to for improvements to Paycor Stadium
Hayao Miyazaki's animated fantasy stays atop Chinese box office
China unveils regulations on implementation of consumer rights protection law
Israel artist refuses to open Israel pavilion at Venice Biennale
Buxton homers twice, Ryan works 7 scoreless innings as Twins end 7
Event to promote love of reading to be held in Kunming
Syrian first lady Asma Assad diagnosed with leukemia, president's office says
Iranian FM opens new consulate in Damascus following Israeli strike