Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal, who had been temporarily relieved of his pastoral duties in 2018 following allegations of rape by a nun, has resigned from his position. The Vatican requested his resignation for the “good of the Jalandhar diocese,” signaling the need for a new bishop, rather than it being a disciplinary measure imposed on him, according to sources cited by PTI news agency. Mulakkal will now serve as Bishop Emeritus of Jalandhar.
The case against Bishop Franco Mulakkal stems from a Kerala nun accusing him of raping her multiple times between 2014 and 2016 during his visit to her convent in Kottayam. He was arrested and put under judicial custody in 2018. However, in January 2022, the Additional District and Sessions Court in Kottayam acquitted him of the charges. Despite the acquittal, Mulakkal was not given any new responsibilities within the church.
The nun, who belongs to the Missionaries of Jesus congregation based in Punjab, has challenged the acquittal in the Kerala High Court. Meanwhile, Mulakkal has consistently denied the allegations, labeling them as a conspiracy against the church.
The resignation of Franco Mulakkal comes amidst ongoing controversy and legal proceedings surrounding the case. The development highlights the significance of addressing allegations of sexual assault within religious institutions and the impact it has on the larger community.
