Quebec Cardinal Lacroix set to resume duties after six-month hiatus

Quebec Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix has returned to his duties after a voluntary six-month hiatus.

According to a press release, Marc Pelchat, Quebec’s Auxiliary Bishop will manage the class action lawsuit against the diocese “out of respect for the judicial process.”

The allegations against Lacroix emerged in January after he was named as an alleged perpetrator in a class-action lawsuit brought by 147 alleged victims – with claims of sexual abuse by clergy and staff of the diocese of Quebec.

The alleged incidents took place between 1987 and 1988 in Quebec City when the plaintiff was 17.

In response to the claims, Pope Francis mandated retired Quebec judge André Denis to investigate.

While the alleged victim did not participate, Denis announced in May that his investigation didn’t exonerate Lacroix but failed to uncover any evidence that would justify a canonical trial.

Lacroix, who denied these accusations, invited the anonymous complainant who made allegations against him to file a criminal complaint so that a “proper” trial can take place.

A lawyer representing the alleged victim said in May his client preferred to testify in court and did not wish to take part in the Vatican-mandated investigation because it was an internal church process that lacked credibility.

In a news release, the archbishop described the past months as a “difficult journey.” He said he’s resuming his duties because Denis’s investigation found no evidence against him and because of the support of those around him. As well, he said he is seeking status to intervene in the class-action lawsuit.

One of his first public appearances will take place at the Feast Day of St. Anne on Friday, in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

Lacroix is one of the most influential Catholic figures in Canada.

-With files from The Canadian Press