Bishop Ouellet is stepping down Having reached the age limit
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The 78-year-old priest was three years past the normal retirement age for bishops. However, his tenure was extended for three years in 2020.
Cardinal Ouellet was appointed president of the Synod of Bishops Benedict XVI in 2010.
He is one of the few Vatican prelates to retain his post since Pope Francis ascended the throne, widely seen as a sign of the Holy Father’s faith in the Quebec priest.
Allegations of sexual misconduct
Cardinal Olette’s departure comes amid controversy. His name came up especially last year Joint action Targeting all alleged sexual abuse committed by persons under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Quebec since 1940.
The Vatican, which has already investigated the matter, Then it refused to start a new one.
He sued for defamationThe alleged victim came out of the shadows Three weeks ago. Between 2008 and 2010, Pamela Crolyo accused Marc Oulet of inappropriate acts against her when he was Archbishop of Quebec.
Complaint from another woman A lawsuit would also be filed against a Quebec cardinal, we learned two weeks ago, prompting the chancellor concerned. Come out of his silence.
In both cases, Marc Ouellet vehemently denies the charges, for which he has been exonerated twice by the Vatican.
He has been succeeded by U.S. Bishop Robert Francis Prevost, president of the Congregation for Bishops and head of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, the Vatican said Monday.
The 67-year-old Chicago-born priest served as head of the Augustinians from 2001 to 2013. Currently working in Chiclayo, Peru. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place on April 12.
The Council of Bishops (also known as the “Dicastery”) is a body that advises the Pope in selecting bishops. It also investigates allegations of abuse or neglect against them.
Marc Ouellet, originally from La Motte in Abidbie-Témiscamingue, was Archbishop of Quebec from 2002 to 2010. Although he resigned from the Council of Bishops and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, he will continue as a cardinal.
