Investigation finds no wrongdoing by Canadian Cardinal Lacroix

From Vatican News

The Holy See Press Office released a statement on May 21 on the conclusions of the preliminary canonical investigation into an anonymous accusation against Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix, Archbishop of Quebec.

The report’s conclusion states that no actions could be identified that amounted to misconduct or abuse on the part of the cardinal and therefore “no further canonical procedure is envisaged.”

On February 8, 2024, Pope Francis commissioned André Denis, a retired Quebec Superior Court judge, to resolve an allegation made as part of a class action lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Quebec.

The preliminary canonical investigation conducted by Judge Denis was completed on May 6, 2024, and his report was presented to Pope Francis in the following days.

The Holy See’s press statement said: “In view of the facts examined by the judge, the report does not allow a finding of actions amounting to misconduct or abuse on the part of Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix. “Consequently, no further canonical information.” Procedure is provided.”

Pope Francis has given Judge André Denis permission to issue a statement summarizing the details of his investigation and answering any questions on the matter.

The Pope expressed his deep gratitude to Judge Denis for having “impartially carried out” the mandate entrusted to him within the set deadline “in the context of the class action lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Quebec.”