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Franco Mulakkal (54), the Indian bishop accused of raping a nun up to 13 times, submitted his resignation to the Vatican. Photos/BBC
NEW DELHI – Paus francis, Vatican leader, has accepted the resignation of the accused Indian bishop rape a nun 13 times between 2014 and 2016.
The bishop who resigned was Franco Mulakkal (54). He is the bishop of Jalandhar in the state of Punjab.
Mulakkal, who denies the rape allegation, was found not guilty last year by a court in Kerala state.
The Vatican’s diplomatic representative in India said that the appeal against Mulakkal’s acquittal had been accepted at the high court in Kerala.
On Thursday, Mulakkal confirmed his retirement and thanked his supporters for supporting him in difficult times.
“Given the situation that remains divisive, Mulakkal’s resignation was requested for the good of Jalandhar diocese and to make way for a new bishop,” the Vatican’s diplomatic representative said in a statement, as quoted by The Times of India, Friday (2/6/2023) .
According to him, it was not a disciplinary measure against Mulakkal.
The Joint Christian Council, a federation of Christian organizations, said it welcomed the decision.
The nun who accused Mulakkal of committing the rape was a member of the Missionaries of Jesus, a congregation in Kerala that is part of Jalandhar Diocese. His identity is protected by the authorities
