The Archbishop of Toulouse, France, has appointed a priest convicted of rape as the archdiocesan chancellor, leading to widespread outrage. The priest, Dominique Spina, was convicted in 2005 for the rape of a minor and served time in prison. Critics, including victims' advocacy groups, have condemned the appointment. The Archbishop has defended the decision, citing mercy, but the move has ignited calls for his resignation due to the severity of the offense and concerns about the priest's potential for reoffending.
13 days ago
Archbishop Guy André Marie de Kerimel of Toulouse has appointed Father Dominique Spina, a priest convicted of rape, as the archdiocesan chancellor and episcopal delegate for marriages 3 4. This decision, made public through June 2025 appointments, has sparked significant outrage 2 3.
Father Spina was convicted in 2006 for the rape of a 16-year-old high school student in Pau, France, which occurred between 1993 and 1994 3 4. The victim, who had sought Spina as a spiritual director, reported the abuse after entering seminary, leading to Spina's arrest in 2002 3 4. Spina was sentenced to five years in prison, serving two years before being granted parole in 2007 3 4. Psychiatric experts during his trial noted "paranoid, narcissistic and perverse dispositions" and a "lack of guilt," raising concerns about reoffending 3.
Following his release, Spina was transferred to the Diocese of Toulouse by then-Archbishop Robert Le Gall, initially assigned to administrative responsibilities with psychological support and minor pastoral duties with adults only 3. In 2009, he resumed priestly ministry under supervision and became a parish priest, overseeing youth ministry, a decision defended by the bishop at the time as not involving unsupervised contact with children 3. However, after media backlash in 2016, he was relieved of his duties 3 4. Despite this, Spina had been serving as vice-chancellor of the Toulouse archdiocese prior to his recent promotion, even while restricted from public ministry 4.
Archbishop de Kerimel defended the appointment by stating he had "taken the side of mercy" and that Spina had no reproachable acts over the past thirty years that would be subject to legal, canonical, or civil proceedings 3 4. He clarified that the chancellor role is primarily administrative, involving maintenance of archives and assisting the archbishop with communications, and that Spina would not accompany couples to marriage 4.
However, this justification has been met with strong condemnation from victims' advocacy groups and Spina's victim 3 4. Fraternité Victimes, an association supporting abuse victims, called the archbishop's reference to mercy "simply scandalous" 3. Spina's victim, identified as Frédéric, expressed no surprise at the promotion, lamenting that "mercy doesn't exist" for victims and criticizing the Church's continued support for Spina 4. Jérôme Moreau, president of the French victims’ federation, stated that promoting individuals based on "good conduct" sends a detrimental message, especially to direct victims 4. Spina is scheduled to begin his new role on September 1 4.
What constitutes just exercise of ecclesiastical authority?
The just exercise of ecclesiastical authority is rooted in service, love, and fidelity to Christ and the Church's Magisterium. It is an authority given by Christ himself, intended to guide, protect, and correct the faithful for their salvation .
Ecclesiastical authority, particularly that of bishops, is an official ecclesial task conferred by the sacrament of Orders . It is exercised not in the Church's own name, but in the name of Jesus Christ, who received all authority from the Father . This authority is fundamentally a service, as bishops are called to be "servant of all" and "at the service of God, and through his love, also of men" . Priests, as co-workers of the episcopal order, also share in this mission of service to God's people .
Several principles guide the just exercise of ecclesiastical authority:
Episcopal Conferences play a significant role in the joint exercise of the episcopal ministry, particularly in the teaching office . They can more effectively proclaim Catholic truth in matters of faith and morals when in communion with the Roman Pontiff, making it easier for the faithful to adhere to the Magisterium . They are responsible for ensuring that catechisms are issued and approving editions of Sacred Scripture and their translations for their territory . The Episcopal Conference is responsible for everything connected with the transmission of the faith in its territory, respecting the authority of diocesan bishops .
In summary, the just exercise of ecclesiastical authority is a profound service rooted in Christ's love, demanding personal holiness, fidelity to divine truth, and a commitment to unity and communion within the Church.