INTERVIEW: Cardinal Ouellet Speaks Out for the First Time Following the Resolution of the Abuse Allegation

Cardinal Marc Ouellet described his recent legal battle as a four year nightmare following his acquittal in a sexual assault case in Canada. In an interview with Rome Reports, Ouellet addressed the allegations made by pastoral worker Paméla Groleau, who accused him of nonconsensual physical contact.

Ouellet stated he learned of the accusation in France in August 2022, following a trip to Canada with Pope Francis. He noted that the Pope issued a statement defending him after determining there were no grounds for canonical action. While his ministry in Rome remained unchanged, Ouellet said the accusations affected his health, moral authority, and reputation.

The allegations surfaced as part of a class action lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Quebec involving sexual abuse of minors by priests. Ouellet said he initially waited four months to take legal action to avoid interfering with that lawsuit, but he eventually pursued defamation measures after his case was grouped with cases involving pedophilia. He said he felt a moral obligation to restore the truth to safeguard the credibility of the Church.