Fr. Thomas Rosica, a prominent Canadian priest and former Vatican communications advisor, has been accused of sexual assault. As a result, he has been stripped of his priestly faculties, effectively barring him from performing any public ministry.
Rosica has been accused of sexually assaulting a young priest over 20 years ago. Rumors exchanged among insiders in the Archdiocese of Toronto for the past few months were substantiated yesterday when an American Catholic news outlet, The Pillar, revealed that Rosica’s faculties as a priest were suspended in March 2024 after the alleged victim filed suit against him in an Ontario court.
The allegations surfaced earlier this month when an individual came forward accusing Fr. Rosica of sexual misconduct dating back several years. The accuser, whose identity has not been disclosed, alleges that the assault occurred while Rosica was in a position of spiritual authority. The accusations have prompted a formal investigation by church authorities, as well as interest from law enforcement.
In response to the allegations, the Archdiocese of Toronto, where Fr. Rosica has served, released a brief statement confirming that his priestly faculties have been suspended. “We take all accusations of this nature very seriously and have acted swiftly to ensure that Fr. Rosica is no longer in a position to perform any public ministry pending the outcome of the investigation,” the statement read.
Fr. Rosica, a Basilian priest who gained international recognition for his work as a media spokesperson during several papal transitions, has not publicly commented on the accusations. However, his legal team has issued a statement denying the allegations and asserting that Fr. Rosica “looks forward to clearing his name through the appropriate legal and ecclesiastical processes.”
The news has shocked many within the Catholic community, where Rosica has been a well-known figure for decades. He was instrumental in founding Salt + Light Television, a Catholic media network in Canada, and served as its CEO for many years. His work with the Vatican during Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation and Pope Francis’s election further solidified his reputation as a skilled communicator and trusted advisor.
However, the current allegations have cast a long shadow over his legacy. Advocacy groups for survivors of clergy abuse have expressed their concern, emphasizing the importance of a thorough and transparent investigation. “The Church has a responsibility to ensure that justice is served and that the truth comes to light,” said a spokesperson for SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests). “We hope that the process is handled with the utmost care and sensitivity for all involved.”
As the investigation unfolds, the Church faces renewed scrutiny over its handling of sexual abuse cases, particularly those involving high-profile clergy members. Fr. Rosica’s case is expected to draw significant attention, both within the Catholic community and the wider public, as it raises difficult questions about accountability and the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.
For now, Fr. Rosica remains out of public ministry, and the Church has urged anyone with additional information to come forward. The outcome of this case will likely have far-reaching implications, both for the accused and for the ongoing efforts to address and prevent abuse within the Church.