Cleared by the Vatican, Cardinal Gérald Cyprien-Lacroix continues to proclaim his innocence and invites the complainant to file a criminal complaint against him so that the light can be shed.
The Archbishop of Quebec chose to address the diocesan community in a video message of nearly six minutes which follows the conclusions of the investigation by retired judge André Denis.
Judge Denis had received from Pope Francis the mandate to conduct a preliminary canonical investigation into the anonymous allegations against Cardinal Lacroix, formulated in the process of the collective action against the diocese of Quebec.
“I am very grateful to the Holy Father for having chosen a Quebec investigator, a retired judge who has experience in sexual abuse cases linked to the Church,” expressed Cardinal Lacroix.
No facts
In the video, the cardinal reads the main conclusion, specifying that the complainant chose not to collaborate in the investigation.
“I note in particular from the conclusions of Judge Denis that the facts alleged and reported in the newspapers are equivocal and cannot be linked to any fact in my life history,” affirms Gérald Cyprien-Lacroix.
The latter repeats that the community has the right to know and that he wishes to have his testimony heard during a trial.
“I reiterate my innocence, but above all I insist on my wish that light be shed completely and completely on the allegations against me. I also invite the complainant to contact Judge Denis as he suggested or to file a criminal complaint against me so that a proper trial can take place,” he declared.
Discreet by choice
The religious explains that he has voluntarily chosen to remain discreet for several months as archbishop of Quebec. He now does not know whether he will be more visible or present in public activities.
“I will re-evaluate my decision periodically,” he says.
In January 2024, the cardinal defended himself against allegations of sexual abuse against him in a similar six-minute video.
“Never to my knowledge have I made any inappropriate actions towards anyone, whether minors or adults. My soul and my conscience are at peace in the face of these accusations which I refute,” he then said.
