Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix has resumed his role as Archbishop of Quebec, months after a church-led investigation found no evidence of sexual abuse.
In January, Lacroix’s name first appeared in a class-action lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Quebec.
The incidents involving Lacroix are alleged to have taken place between 1987 and 1988 in Quebec City when the plaintiff was 17.
Her identity is protected because she was a minor at the time of the alleged incidents.
Lacroix is accused of touching her without her consent. In an interview with CBC News in March, the plaintiff’s lawyer, Alain Arsenault, said Lacroix also forced his client into oral and penetrative sex.
Cardinal Lacroix categorically denied having committed the acts of which he is accused.
In February 2024, the Pope commissioned a preliminary inquiry to determine whether allegations against Lacroix were substantial enough to warrant a church-led trial.
Retired judge André Denis says he found no evidence of sexual misconduct, prompting Lacroix’s return to work on Monday.
“It’s been a difficult journey,” said Lacroix in a statement. He says the results of the investigation and the support around him has led him to return to his “ministry with serenity.”
Denis found there was no evidence linking Lacroix to the allegations against him. However, he admitted that the conclusions “do not have the same value they would have” had he spoken to the plaintiff.
On Monday, Lacroix said the church “condemns reprehensible acts and is aware of the measures we have taken to prevent them.”
By resuming his duties, Lacroix will preside over the mass for the feast of Saint Anne at the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica east of Quebec City on Friday.