…the French Archbishop named diocesan chancellor–an official role traditionally reserved for clergy “of honest reputation.
Toulouse, France – The iNews Times reports that a decision by the Archbishop of Toulouse, Guy de Kerimel, to appoint a convicted rapist French priest to a senior diocesan role has triggered a fresh wave of anger and disbelief across France, reigniting criticism of the Catholic Church’s handling of clergy sexual abuse.
The appointee, Dominique Spina, was sentenced to five years in prison in 2006 for the rape of a 16-year-old boy.
But in June, Archbishop Kerimel named him diocesan chancellor–an official role traditionally reserved for clergy “of honest reputation and above all suspicion,” according to Canon Law. The position places Spina in charge of the archdiocese’s archives and official records.
Archbishop Kerimel however defended the controversial move as an act of “mercy,” stating Spina held an “administrative function” and that he had “nothing to reproach” the priest for.
The French Archbishop in a statement released Thursday amid growing backlash, acknowledged widespread “incomprehension” within the Church community but warned that without compassion, Spina risked “social death.”
“This is in no way about downplaying a crime,” Kerimel insisted, adding that the victim must still be “recognised and helped.”
But for many Catholics, and particularly victims of clerical abuse, the explanation falls flat.
“This is a great shame for the Church,” one French bishop told AFP under anonymity, adding, “A priest convicted of serious sexual acts cannot hold a position of responsibility again. We should be able to say that.”
Victims’ advocacy groups and Catholic media outlets have roundly condemned the appointment.
A joint statement by survivor groups expressed “deep indignation and anger,” while Catholic newspaper La Croix said the archbishop’s appeal to mercy “cannot be used as a hasty justification.”
Conservative Catholic platforms were even more scathing. Riposte Catholique called the appointment “unjustifiable” and urged Vatican intervention, while Tribune Chrétienne stated bluntly, “Compassion does not consist of rehabilitating a condemned man to a canonical position.”
The scandal comes as France’s Catholic Church continues to reel from multiple abuse cases in schools and parishes, including posthumous allegations against revered priest and social advocate Abbé Pierre.
The Church has since established two commissions aimed at recognising victims and managing compensation, following a bombshell 2021 report that exposed the scale of abuse within the institution.
This latest controversy, critics say, suggests the Church still has a long road ahead in matching words with action on accountability.
