Canada: Card. Ouellet sued over sexual abuse allegations

This content was published on December 13, 2022 – 8:45 pm
December 13, 2022 – 8.45 PM

(Keystone-SDA)

Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet has filed a defamation lawsuit following allegations of sexual abuse against him in a class action complaint filed against Canadian clergy.

Already last August, the cardinal, one of Pope Francis’ most important collaborators, defended himself against the accusations, calling them “false and slanderous”. In an appeal submitted to a judge in Quebec, the cardinal wants to “prove the falsehood of the accusations leveled against me and restore my reputation and my honor.”

“I have never been guilty of reprehensible behavior and least of all contested by other members of the clergy mentioned in the collective action – Ouellet explains in a note -. This inappropriate association, deliberately constructed and widely disseminated for improper purposes, must be condemned. “.

“It is clear that the victims of sexual abuse have the right to fair compensation for the damages they have suffered. I feel their suffering and I reiterate my honest closeness with them – he underlines -. Their right to justice is not in question. This position is very important to protect the truth, my reputation and my honor. Any financial compensation I receive in the context of this action will be dedicated entirely to the fight against sexual abuse against Aboriginal people in Canada.