In February at the Vatican, two former consecrated women who allege they were abused by the well-known mosaic artist, Fr. Marko Rupnik, spoke out publicly for the first time. One of the women says she is a victim of psychological, spiritual, and sexual abuse.
GLORIA BRANCINI
Alleged abuse victim
(I felt) a sense of disorientation, a state of confusion, a feeling of violation of my integrity and my relationship with the Divine —this is the most devastating point for me. And the deep humiliation of my whole being—body, soul and spirit. Along with feeling the pain of evil. A weight on my heart…
The Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith continued to compile information on the case. And the alleged victims and their lawyer repeatedly called for the Vatican to provide clarity and transparency.
February also marked two months since the Vatican doctrinal office released the declaration “Fiducia supplicans” that allowed for priests to bless same-sex relationships. And even two months later, the Pope continued to defend it.
In an interview published in the Italian magazine “Credere,” the Pope reaffirmed his position that no one should be denied a blessing.
But I don't bless a 'homosexual marriage', I bless two people who love each other and I also ask them to pray for me.
During this month, the Pope also had a long-awaited meeting with a former critic—the new president of his home country of Argentina, Javier Milei. In the past, Milei had called the Pope an “imbecile” but later apologized.
Milei saw the Pope when he traveled to Rome for the canonization of Argentina's first female saint.
You cut your hair!
-I just fixed it. Can I give you a kiss?
Yes, my son, yes. It's good to see you. Thank you for coming.
The next day, he met privately with Pope Francis for over an hour. The two discussed Argentina's economic crisis and the future of the country.
AT
