As Vatican says 'no grounds' to investigate Ouellet, questions raised over handling of complaint

The Vatican says there is insufficient evidence to open a church investigation into Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the former archbishop of Quebec, despite a recent class action accusing him and some 88 other clergy members of sexual abuse and misconduct.

A spokesperson for Pope Francis, Matteo Bruni, made the announcement in a statement Thursday morning. 

Ouellet, who works at the Vatican and is seen as a potential successor to the Pope, is accused by a woman identified as “F” in the lawsuit of unwanted touching and kissing, as well as sexual harassment.

In its statement, the Vatican says theologian Jacques Servais, who was tasked