Quebec cardinal named in sex-assault class action

QUÉBEC CITY -- Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix of Québec was named in court documents Jan. 25 in connection with a sweeping class-action sex assault lawsuit filed against the Archdiocese of Québec in 2022.

According to court documents, two incidents allegedly involving Lacroix reportedly occurred in 1987 and 1988 in Québec City, when he was still a religious brother. The lawsuit claims he inappropriately touched a 17-year-old girl on two occasions. The woman has not been identified.

From 1982 to 1987, then-Brother Lacroix served as the secretary-general of the Pius X Secular Institute in Québec City. From 1985 to 1987, he also was the director of the Maison du Renouveau du Québec, or House of Renewal, described on its website as a gathering place for prayer open to people of all walks of life. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1988.

The archdiocese did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The allegations come a 18 months after Cardinal Lacroix's predecessor, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, was named in the lawsuit for allegedly assaulting a woman between 2008 and 2010.

Cardinal Ouellet vehemently denied the accusations leveled by Paméla Groleau and has launched a lawsuit of his own against Groleau, saying she has defamed him.

Neither cardinal has been criminally charged and the new civil allegations against Cardinal Lacroix have not been heard in court.