The Vatican has announced the acceptance of the resignation of Bishop Franco Mulakkal, who was accused of raping a nun between 2014 and 2016. The bishop, who had consistently denied the allegations, was acquitted by a trial court in Kerala state last year. However, an appeal against his acquittal has been admitted in the high court in Kerala. Mulakkal confirmed his resignation and expressed gratitude to his supporters for standing by him during the difficult times.
The Vatican’s diplomatic representative in India stated that Mulakkal’s resignation was requested for the good of the Jalandhar diocese and to facilitate the appointment of a new bishop, given the still divisive situation. It was clarified that the resignation was not a disciplinary action against Mulakkal. The Joint Christian Council, a federation of Christian organizations, welcomed the decision.
The case gained significant attention and sparked protests by nuns and activists who supported the woman who accused Mulakkal of rape. The nun, belonging to the Missionaries of Jesus congregation in Kerala, alleged that the bishop raped her on multiple occasions during his visits to the convent where she resided. She had petitioned the Vatican and wrote an open letter to the Pope’s representative in India. Several other nuns who protested against the bishop had accused the church and Vatican officials of ignoring the rape allegations.
Mulakkal was arrested in 2018 and temporarily relieved of his duties by the Vatican. After his acquittal by the trial court in 2022, the nun’s lawyers announced their intention to challenge the verdict in the high court.
The resignation of Bishop Franco Mulakkal marks a significant development in a highly controversial case that has divided public opinion and brought attention to the issue of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in India.
Source: BBC