Monsignor Labaki's Lawyer Says No Rulings Received on Child Abuse Case, Assures His Defendant’s Innocence

Mansour Labaki's lawyer denied on Thursday that Vatican authorities ruled that the monsignor was innocent of the child abuse accusations against him.

"The case is now in the hands of Pope Francis only, and we are sure of Labaki's innocence according to the documents we have,” attorney Antoine Akl said in released statement.

"And therefore, we were not surprised by media reports saying he was innocent but we are waiting for Vatican authorities to officially communicate the ruling to us,” he added.

Akl also revealed that he has filed a criminal complaint with Lebanese judicial authorities against all locals and foreigners involved in launching accusations against Labaki.

"We gathered irrefutable documents, among them emails, shared by the suspects and used to falsely accuse the monsignor,” he noted.

The case is now in the hands of Maronite Patriarch Behsara al-Rahi who will review it with Pope Francis, added the lawyer.

Labaki was charged in 2013 by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican with sexually abusing several minors.

The Vatican's office charged Labaki after a two-year investigation.

The Monsignor reportedly appealed the sentence but it was rejected by Rome.

He was sentenced to a life of penitence and he will also be banned from conducting any ecclesiastical duties or participating in public appearances.

Labaki, 73, is a well-known figure in Lebanon and is the founder of a spiritual movement called Lo Tedhal.

He has also written several books and composed famous hymns.

S.D.B.

M.T.