The Vatican has removed artwork by Marko Rupnik, a former Jesuit priest accused of sexual abuse, from its official websites. This decision follows mounting criticism and calls for action due to the allegations against Rupnik. The removal includes mosaics previously used to illustrate articles on Vatican News. Victims of Rupnik's abuse have expressed relief and hope at this development, seeing it as a step towards acknowledging their experiences. The move is seen as a policy shift under Pope Leo XIV, who met with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
6 days ago
Marko Rupnik, a former Jesuit priest and mosaic artist, faces accusations of spiritual, psychological, and sexual abuse from numerous women over three decades 1 4. These allegations have led to his expulsion from the Jesuit order and a Vatican investigation 3 7. Rupnik was briefly excommunicated in 2020 for absolving an accomplice in a sin against the Sixth Commandment, but the excommunication was later lifted 3 7. Despite the serious allegations and his dismissal from the Jesuits, Rupnik was incardinated in the Diocese of Koper, Slovenia 3 7.
Vatican News has removed artwork by Marko Rupnik from its official websites 1 4. The digital images, frequently used to illustrate liturgical feast days, are no longer present on the Vatican News service 4 6. This action follows Pope Leo XIV's meeting with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors 1 4. The removal included mosaics for the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and the Feast of the Assumption 3 7.
Prior to the removal, the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication defended the use of Rupnik's artwork 1 2. In June 2024, Prefect Paolo Ruffini stated that removing the art would be a judgment before the investigation's conclusion and not a Christian response 3 7. Ruffini argued that the art should not be conflated with the artist's personal failings 2. He also stated that the department was only using existing images and not adding new ones 1 3.
Pope Leo XIV's decision to remove the artwork signals a potential shift in the Vatican's approach to the Rupnik case 1 2. Some observers believe this move indicates a greater willingness to address the concerns of abuse survivors 1. The removal occurred shortly after Pope Leo XIV met with Cardinal Seán O’Malley and members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors 1 4. Pope Leo XIV, a canonist, is also faced with other key decisions regarding the Rupnik case, including the slow progress of the canonical trial and the role of Cardinal Fernandez 2.
Victims and advocates have largely welcomed the removal of Rupnik's art 1 3. Laura Sgrò, a lawyer representing several victims, stated her clients received the news favorably 1. Mirjam Kovacs, one of Rupnik's accusers, called it "an encouraging sign" 1. Abuse survivors have described the artwork as a painful reminder of their suffering 3 7. Anne Barrett Doyle of BishopAccountability.org called the removal "a small but positive step" 1.
How does the Church balance justice and artistic expression?
The Catholic Church navigates the relationship between justice and artistic expression by recognizing the inherent value and potential of art while also emphasizing the importance of moral responsibility and the common good .
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:
In summary, the Church fosters a balanced approach where artistic expression is valued as a means of conveying truth and beauty, while also emphasizing the artist's responsibility to uphold moral values and contribute to the common good. The Church seeks to inspire artists to create works that uplift and edify, avoiding scandal and promoting the integral well-being of individuals and society.
EN FRAN9AIS
Le Vatican a retiré les œuvres d'art de Rupnik de ses sites web à la suite d'allégations d'abus. Le Dicastère pour la Communication a retiré des sites web du Vatican les œuvres de l'ancien jésuite Marko Rupnik, aujourd'hui déshonoré. Les mosaïques de Rupnik ont été discrètement retirées de Vatican News à la suite d'accusations d'abus portées contre lui. Le pape Leo a ordonné le retrait des photos de Rupnik du site web de Vatican Media malgré les affirmations de femmes selon lesquelles Rupnik les aurait violées et se serait livré à d'autres actes.
The Vatican has removed artwork by Marko Rupnik, a former Jesuit priest accused of sexual abuse, from its official websites. This decision follows mounting criticism and calls for action due to the allegations against Rupnik. The removal includes mosaics previously used to illustrate articles on Vatican News. Victims of Rupnik's abuse have expressed relief and hope at this development, seeing it as a step towards acknowledging their experiences. The move is seen as a policy shift under Pope Leo XIV, who met with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
6 days ago
Marko Rupnik, a former Jesuit priest and mosaic artist, faces accusations of spiritual, psychological, and sexual abuse from numerous women over three decades 1 4. These allegations have led to his expulsion from the Jesuit order and a Vatican investigation 3 7. Rupnik was briefly excommunicated in 2020 for absolving an accomplice in a sin against the Sixth Commandment, but the excommunication was later lifted 3 7. Despite the serious allegations and his dismissal from the Jesuits, Rupnik was incardinated in the Diocese of Koper, Slovenia 3 7.
Vatican News has removed artwork by Marko Rupnik from its official websites 1 4. The digital images, frequently used to illustrate liturgical feast days, are no longer present on the Vatican News service 4 6. This action follows Pope Leo XIV's meeting with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors 1 4. The removal included mosaics for the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and the Feast of the Assumption 3 7.
Prior to the removal, the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication defended the use of Rupnik's artwork 1 2. In June 2024, Prefect Paolo Ruffini stated that removing the art would be a judgment before the investigation's conclusion and not a Christian response 3 7. Ruffini argued that the art should not be conflated with the artist's personal failings 2. He also stated that the department was only using existing images and not adding new ones 1 3.
Pope Leo XIV's decision to remove the artwork signals a potential shift in the Vatican's approach to the Rupnik case 1 2. Some observers believe this move indicates a greater willingness to address the concerns of abuse survivors 1. The removal occurred shortly after Pope Leo XIV met with Cardinal Seán O’Malley and members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors 1 4. Pope Leo XIV, a canonist, is also faced with other key decisions regarding the Rupnik case, including the slow progress of the canonical trial and the role of Cardinal Fernandez 2.
Victims and advocates have largely welcomed the removal of Rupnik's art 1 3. Laura Sgrò, a lawyer representing several victims, stated her clients received the news favorably 1. Mirjam Kovacs, one of Rupnik's accusers, called it "an encouraging sign" 1. Abuse survivors have described the artwork as a painful reminder of their suffering 3 7. Anne Barrett Doyle of BishopAccountability.org called the removal "a small but positive step" 1.
How does the Church balance justice and artistic expression?
The Catholic Church addresses the relationship between justice and artistic expression by emphasizing the moral responsibility of artists and the role of art in serving the greater good. The Church believes that art should reflect truth, goodness, and beauty, and contribute to the well-being of individuals and society .
Here's a breakdown:
In essence, the Church advocates for artistic expression that is both creative and morally responsible, contributing to the greater good and reflecting divine truth and beauty.