Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture
Thursday, August 21, 2025
More than a month ago, Archbishop Guy de Kerimel of Toulouse made the appalling decision to appoint a convicted rapist as chancellor of his archdiocese. He explained that he had “taken the side of mercy,” since after serving his prison term for the felony, Father Dominique Spina remained ineligible for any ordinary pastoral ministry. The appointment caused anger and astonishment. While it is indeed an act of mercy to help a sinner along the path of redemption, giving a disgraced priest a prominent public role—a promotion—showed a pastoral insensitivity that beggars belief. Then, in an almost unprecedented move, the president and vice-presidents of the French episcopal conference strongly urged Archbishop de Kerimel to reconsider. And it worked.
