Franco Mulakkal: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Indian prelate of the Catholic Church (born 1964)}}
{{short description|Indian bishop of the Catholic Church (born 1964)}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Citations broken|date=February 2020}}
{{BLP sources|date=February 2020}}
{{Warning|To discuss issues with specific biographies or personal mentions, please use the [[Wikipedia:Biographies of living persons/Noticeboard]].}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2018}}
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| diocese = [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar|Jalandhar]]
| diocese = [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar|Jalandhar]]
| appointed = 13 June 2013
| appointed = 13 June 2013
| enthroned = 13 June 2013|
| enthroned = 4 August 2013
| ended = 1 June 2023
| predecessor = [[Anil Joseph Thomas Couto]]|
| predecessor = [[Anil Joseph Thomas Couto]]|
| ordination = 21 April 1990
| ordination = 21 April 1990
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| buried =  
| buried =  
| nationality = [[India]]n
| nationality = [[India]]n
| religion = [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Church]]
| religion = [[Catholic Church]]
| residence =  
| residence =  
| parents =  
| parents =  
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| motto =  
| motto =  
}}
}}
'''Franco Mulakkal'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://missionariesofjesus.in/portfolio/birthday-wishes-to-bp-franco-mulakkal/|title=Birthday wishes to Bp. Franco Mulakkal {{!}} Missionaries of Jesus|website=missionariesofjesus.in|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cityairnews.com/content/dr-cheema-felicitates-bishop-franco-mulakkal-completing-25-years-baptism|title=Dr Cheema Felicitates Bishop Franco Mulakkal For Completing 25 Years Of Baptism {{!}} City Air News|website=cityairnews.com|access-date=2017-08-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/sukhbir-meets-bishop-of-diocese-in-jalandhar/1152239/|title=Sukhbir meets Bishop of Diocese in Jalandhar - Indian Express|website=archive.indianexpress.com|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-08-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navjeevanjalandhar.org/staff/rt-rev-dr-franco-mulakkal/|title=Rt. Rev. Dr. Franco Mulakkal {{!}} Navjeevan Charitable Society|website=navjeevanjalandhar.org|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.icym.net/news/national-news/640-fr-franklin-team-greeted-bishop-franco-mulakkal|title=Fr. Franklin and Team greeted Bishop Franco Mulakkal - Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM)|last=Administrator|website=icym.net|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-08-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://jalandhardiocese.com/|title=Home - Diocese of Jalandhar|date=2013-11-16|work=Diocese of Jalandhar|access-date=2017-06-19|language=en-US}}</ref> is an Indian [[prelate]] of the [[Catholic Church]]. He served as the [[Bishop in the Catholic Church|bishop]] of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar since 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://scdimapur.org/latest-news/bp-franco-visits-salesian-college/|title=Bp. Franco visits Salesian College|date=2017-07-14|work=Salesian College Dimapur|access-date=2017-08-21|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://calgaryindians.com/photo/227-newly-appointed-diocese-of-jalandhar-bishop-franco-mulakkal.aspx|title=Newly appointed DIOCESE of Jalandhar, Bishop Franco Mulakkal|website=calgaryindians.com|access-date=2017-08-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/franco-mulakkal-is-new-bishop/story-EXoOODLscIKWOD6eKkMDlM.html|title=Franco Mulakkal is new bishop|date=2013-06-14|work=hindustantimes.com/|access-date=2017-08-21|language=en}}</ref> He is the first bishop in Indian Catholic history to be arrested for being accused in a rape case. He has been charged for raping a nun and his trial is ongoing with strict reporting restrictions <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/accountability/news/news/mulakkal-appears-trial-nuns-rape-next-hearing-set-jan-6 }}</ref>
'''Franco Mulakkal''' is an Indian [[prelate]] of the Catholic Church. He was a member of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, until changing his sui iuris to the Latin church in lieu of mission work. He worked as the [[Bishop in the Catholic Church|bishop]] of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar]] from 2013<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://scdimapur.org/latest-news/bp-franco-visits-salesian-college/|title=Bp. Franco visits Salesian College|date=2017-07-14|work=Salesian College Dimapur|access-date=2017-08-21|language=en-US|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822014114/http://scdimapur.org/latest-news/bp-franco-visits-salesian-college/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://calgaryindians.com/photo/227-newly-appointed-diocese-of-jalandhar-bishop-franco-mulakkal.aspx|title=Newly appointed DIOCESE of Jalandhar, Bishop Franco Mulakkal|website=calgaryindians.com|access-date=2017-08-21|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822015203/http://calgaryindians.com/photo/227-newly-appointed-diocese-of-jalandhar-bishop-franco-mulakkal.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/franco-mulakkal-is-new-bishop/story-EXoOODLscIKWOD6eKkMDlM.html|title=Franco Mulakkal is new bishop|date=2013-06-14|work=hindustantimes.com/|access-date=2017-08-21|language=en|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822013656/http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/franco-mulakkal-is-new-bishop/story-EXoOODLscIKWOD6eKkMDlM.html|url-status=live}}</ref> until his arrest in 2018 on charges of raping a nun.<ref>{{cite news |first=Saji |last=Thomas |url=https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/accountability/news/news/mulakkal-appears-trial-nuns-rape-next-hearing-set-jan-6 |title=Mulakkal appears for trial in nun's rape, next hearing set for Jan. 6 |website=Global Sisters Report |publisher=National Catholic Reporter |date=2 December 2019 |access-date=15 November 2020 |archive-date=31 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031135943/https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/accountability/news/news/mulakkal-appears-trial-nuns-rape-next-hearing-set-jan-6 |url-status=live }}</ref> He is the first bishop in Indian Catholic church to be arrested for being accused in a rape case. In January 2022 the [[Kerala]] district court declared him innocent without the witnesses changing their statements. The court heard the statements of 39 witnesses in the case and he was [[Acquittal|acquitted]] of all charges. But the nuns are still fighting for their cause.<ref name="MM"/> He was forced to resign as Jalandhar bishop by the Vatican, and in June 2023 [[Pope Francis|Pope]] accepted his resignation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-nun-rape-case-accused-franco-mulakkal-resigns-as-jalandhar-bishop-101685619020469.html | title=Kerala nun rape case accused Franco Mulakkal resigns as Jalandhar Bishop | date=June 2023 }}</ref>


== Biography ==
== Biography ==
Franco Mulakkal was born in Mattam, [[Thrissur]], [[Kerala]], India on 25 March 1964.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}
Franco Mulakkal was born in Mattam, [[Thrissur]], [[Kerala]], India on 25 March 1964.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}


He was ordained for Priesthood at St.Thomas Forane [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Church]], Mattom, [[Thrissur district|Thrissur]], Kerala on 21 April 1990.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://files.mulakkal.com/200000055-821e08317b/Missionaries%20More%20Info.pdf|title=Bishop Franco Mulakkal biography|last=Franco|first=Mulakkal|website=files.mulakkal.com|access-date=23 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923163057/http://files.mulakkal.com/200000055-821e08317b/Missionaries%20More%20Info.pdf|archive-date=23 September 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
He was ordained for Priesthood at [[St. Thomas Forane Church, Mattom|St.Thomas Forane Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Mattom]], [[Thrissur district|Thrissur]], Kerala on 21 April 1990.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://files.mulakkal.com/200000055-821e08317b/Missionaries%20More%20Info.pdf|title=Bishop Franco Mulakkal biography|last=Franco|first=Mulakkal|website=files.mulakkal.com|access-date=23 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923163057/http://files.mulakkal.com/200000055-821e08317b/Missionaries%20More%20Info.pdf|archive-date=23 September 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>


He was appointed [[auxiliary bishop]] of the Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi and [[titular bishop]] of [[Collo|Chullu]] on 17 January 2009. He was [[Holy Orders (Catholic Church)|consecrated]] a [[Bishop in the Catholic Church|bishop]] on 21 February 2009. He was appointed bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar on 13 June 2013 by [[Pope Francis]]. He also serves as the [[Secretary]] of the Regional [[Episcopal Conference|Bishops Conference]] of [[North India]] and [[Consultor]] for the [[Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://directory.ucanews.com/bishops/bishop-mulakkal/637|title=Bishop Franco Mulakkal {{!}} Bishop of Jalandhar Diocese Franco Mulakkal {{!}} Ucanews|website=directory.ucanews.com|access-date=2017-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625175112/http://directory.ucanews.com/bishops/bishop-mulakkal/637|archive-date=25 June 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bmulakkal.html|title=Bishop Franco Mulakkal (Aippunny) [Catholic-Hierarchy]|last=Cheney|first=David M.|website=catholic-hierarchy.org|access-date=2017-06-19}}</ref>
Franco transferred [[Sui iuris|church sui iuris]] from the Syro-Malabar Church to the Latin Church with his missionary work in northern India. He was appointed [[auxiliary bishop]] of the Latin Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi and [[titular bishop]] of [[Collo|Chullu]] on 17 January 2009. He was [[Holy Orders (Catholic Church)|consecrated]] a [[Bishop in the Catholic Church|bishop]] on 21 February 2009. He was appointed bishop of the Latin Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar on 13 June 2013 by [[Pope Francis]]. He was installed there on 4 August 2013.<ref>{{cite news | access-date = 6 June 2023 | url = https://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130806/jaltrib.htm#3 | title = Dr Franco Mulakkal installed as Jalandhar Bishop | date = 5 August 2013 | newspaper = Jalandhar Tribune }}</ref> He also served as the [[Secretary]] of the Regional [[Episcopal Conference|Bishops Conference]] of [[North India]] and [[Consultor]] for the [[Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://directory.ucanews.com/bishops/bishop-mulakkal/637|title=Bishop Franco Mulakkal {{!}} Bishop of Jalandhar Diocese Franco Mulakkal {{!}} Ucanews|website=directory.ucanews.com|access-date=2017-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625175112/http://directory.ucanews.com/bishops/bishop-mulakkal/637|archive-date=25 June 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bmulakkal.html|title=Bishop Franco Mulakkal (Aippunny) [Catholic-Hierarchy]|last=Cheney|first=David M.|website=catholic-hierarchy.org|access-date=2017-06-19|archive-date=18 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518152059/http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bmulakkal.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Sexual assault and arrest==
==Sexual assault allegation and acquittal==


In June 2018, a nun accused Mulakkal of rape and a complaint was filed with the [[Kerala Police]] under Section 164 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC, India).<ref>{{Citation|last=New indian express rape news |title=Rt. Rev. Dr. Franco Mulakkal, Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar, Punjab, India|date=2018-07-07|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/jul/09/rape-complaint-jalandhar-bishop-franco-mulakkal-not-to-be-grilled-soon-1840775.html|accessdate=2018-07-07}}</ref> The nun in Kerala alleged that she was raped by Bishop Mulakkal 13 times between 2014 and 2016 during his visits to a convent in Kottayam district in Kerala.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/kerala-rape-case-pope-temporarily-relieves-bishop-mulakkal-of-pastoral-duties/articleshow/65887778.cms|title=Kerala rape case: Pope temporarily relieves Bishop Mulakkal of pastoral duties - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bishop-franco-mulakkal-accused-of-kerala-nuns-rape-relieved-of-duties-by-vatican-1919558|title=Bishop Franco Mulakkal, Accused Of Raping Kerala Nun, Temporarily Removed By Vatican|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-09-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nun-rape-case-sit-to-quiz-priest-for-3rd-day-tomorrow/articleshow/65890865.cms|title=Nun 'rape' case: SIT to question bishop for 3rd day tomorrow - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kerala-nun-rape-case-accused-bishop-franco-mulakkal-quizzed-for-8-hours-on-day-2/articleshow/65891738.cms|title=Kerala nun rape case: Accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal quizzed for 8 hours on Day 2 - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/kerala-nun-rape-case-bishop-franco-mulakkal-to-appear-before-kerala-police-for-interrogation|title=Kerala Nun Rape Case: Bishop Franco Mulakkal to appear before Kerala Police for interrogation - Republic World|work=Republic World|access-date=2018-09-20|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kerala-nun-rape-case-bishop-mulakkal-appears-before-probe-team-1343301-2018-09-19|title=Kerala nun rape case: Bishop Franco Mulakkal appears before probe team|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2018-09-20}}</ref> Three more women accused the bishop of sexual misconduct against them, but the congregation's superior general maintains that the bishop is innocent.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/indian-bishop-accused-of-rape-steps-aside-requests-leave-from-vatican-71892|title=Indian bishop accused of rape steps aside, requests leave from Vatican|work=Catholic News Agency|access-date=2018-09-20|language=en}}</ref> On September 20, 2018, Pope Francis accepted Mulakkal's request for a leave of absence from both his role as Bishop and pastoral duties.<ref name=leaderless>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncronline.org/news/accountability/pope-names-administrator-indian-bishop-investigated-alleged-rape|title = Pope names administrator as Indian bishop investigated for alleged rape|date = 20 September 2018}}</ref>
In June 2018, a nun accused the bishop of rape, and a complaint was filed with the [[Kerala Police]] under Section 164 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC, India).<ref>{{cite news |author1=((Express News Service)) |title=Rape complaint: Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal not to be grilled soon |date=9 July 2018 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/jul/09/rape-complaint-jalandhar-bishop-franco-mulakkal-not-to-be-grilled-soon-1840775.html |access-date=17 July 2018|work=The New Indian Express |archive-date=13 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713013402/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/jul/09/rape-complaint-jalandhar-bishop-franco-mulakkal-not-to-be-grilled-soon-1840775.html}}</ref> The nun alleged that she was raped by Mulakkal thirteen times between 2014 and 2016 during his visits to St. Francis Mission Home, [[Kuravilangad]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/kerala-rape-case-pope-temporarily-relieves-bishop-mulakkal-of-pastoral-duties/articleshow/65887778.cms|title=Kerala rape case: Pope temporarily relieves Bishop Mulakkal of pastoral duties |work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-20|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920233816/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/kerala-rape-case-pope-temporarily-relieves-bishop-mulakkal-of-pastoral-duties/articleshow/65887778.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bishop-franco-mulakkal-accused-of-kerala-nuns-rape-relieved-of-duties-by-vatican-1919558|title=Bishop Franco Mulakkal, Accused Of Raping Kerala Nun, Temporarily Removed By Vatican|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-09-20|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920144201/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bishop-franco-mulakkal-accused-of-kerala-nuns-rape-relieved-of-duties-by-vatican-1919558|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nun-rape-case-sit-to-quiz-priest-for-3rd-day-tomorrow/articleshow/65890865.cms|title=Nun 'rape' case: SIT to question bishop for 3rd day tomorrow |work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-20|archive-date=24 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824084532/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nun-rape-case-sit-to-quiz-priest-for-3rd-day-tomorrow/articleshow/65890865.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kerala-nun-rape-case-accused-bishop-franco-mulakkal-quizzed-for-8-hours-on-day-2/articleshow/65891738.cms|title=Kerala nun rape case: Accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal quizzed for 8 hours on Day 2 |work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-09-20|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921132501/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kerala-nun-rape-case-accused-bishop-franco-mulakkal-quizzed-for-8-hours-on-day-2/articleshow/65891738.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kerala-nun-rape-case-bishop-mulakkal-appears-before-probe-team-1343301-2018-09-19|title=Kerala nun rape case: Bishop Franco Mulakkal appears before probe team|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2018-09-20|archive-date=19 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919092743/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kerala-nun-rape-case-bishop-mulakkal-appears-before-probe-team-1343301-2018-09-19|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/39408/indian-bishop-accused-of-rape-steps-aside-requests-leave-from-vatican|title=Indian bishop accused of rape steps aside, requests leave from Vatican|work=Catholic News Agency|access-date=2018-09-20|language=en|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921074027/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/indian-bishop-accused-of-rape-steps-aside-requests-leave-from-vatican-71892|url-status=live}}</ref> Mulakkal  said that rape story was fabricated in retaliation for taking action against the nun with regard to a complaint raised by a woman in 2016 alleging that the nun was having an illicit relationship with her husband, and the nun was removed from her post as [[Superior General (Christianity)|Mother Superior]] after an inquiry.<ref>{{cite news|author=Express News Service|title=Kerala nun rape case: Allegations made up for revenge, alleges Bishop Franco Mulakkal|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/sep/19/kerala-nun-rape-case-allegations-made-up-for-revenge-alleges-bishop-franco-mulakkal-1873929.html|access-date=14 January 2022|work=The New Indian Express|date=19 September 2018|archive-date=14 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114074826/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/sep/19/kerala-nun-rape-case-allegations-made-up-for-revenge-alleges-bishop-franco-mulakkal-1873929.html|quote=...she held the highest post in the congregation as the superior general for nine years|url-status=dead|id= [[Malayala Manorama]]}}</ref> Police said that it was the bishop who first filed a complaint against the nun and the nun filed her complaint a day later. In his complaint, Mulakkal  said that a nun was blackmailing him after he took disciplinary action against her, including transferring her, and that her family members are threatening to entrap him in rape case. FIR was filed for both cases.<ref>{{cite news |author1=News18 |title=Kerala Nun Accuses Jalandhar Bishop of Sexually Abusing Her 13 Times; Church 'Ignores' Complaint |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/kerala-nun-accuses-jalandhar-bishop-of-sexually-abusing-her-13-times-church-ignores-complaint-1796125.html |access-date=14 January 2022 |work=[[News18]] |date=2 July 2018 |archive-date=14 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114091610/https://www.news18.com/news/india/kerala-nun-accuses-jalandhar-bishop-of-sexually-abusing-her-13-times-church-ignores-complaint-1796125.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news |author1=((Express News Service)) |title=Rape complaint: Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal not to be grilled soon |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/jul/09/rape-complaint-jalandhar-bishop-franco-mulakkal-not-to-be-grilled-soon-1840775.html |access-date=22 April 2022 |work=The New Indian Express |date=9 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713013402/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/jul/09/rape-complaint-jalandhar-bishop-franco-mulakkal-not-to-be-grilled-soon-1840775.html |archive-date=13 July 2018}}</ref>
On 20 September 2018, Pope Francis accepted Mulakkal's request for a leave of absence.<ref name=leaderless>{{Cite web|url = https://www.ncronline.org/news/accountability/pope-names-administrator-indian-bishop-investigated-alleged-rape|title = Pope names administrator as Indian bishop investigated for alleged rape|date = 20 September 2018|access-date = 16 August 2019|archive-date = 16 August 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190816190733/https://www.ncronline.org/news/accountability/pope-names-administrator-indian-bishop-investigated-alleged-rape|url-status = live}}</ref> On 21 September 2018, the Kerala police arrested him.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-45600402|title=India bishop accused of rape arrested|work=BBC News|date=21 September 2018|access-date=6 February 2019|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226144952/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-45600402|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kerala Police arrested Franco|work=[[Asianet News]]|url=https://www.asianetnews.com/news/former-jalandhar-franko-mulakkal-arrested-pfeo5t|access-date=2018-09-21|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921225811/https://www.asianetnews.com/news/former-jalandhar-franko-mulakkal-arrested-pfeo5t|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bishop-franco-mulakkal-arrested-in-kerala-nun-rape-case-1345584-2018-09-21|title=Bishop Franco Mulakkal arrested in Kerala nun rape case|work=indiatoday|access-date=2018-09-21|language=en|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921112826/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bishop-franco-mulakkal-arrested-in-kerala-nun-rape-case-1345584-2018-09-21|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/21/asia/india-bishop-sex-abuse-intl/index.html|title=Catholic bishop in India arrested after being accused of raping nun|work=CNN|access-date=2018-09-26|language=en|archive-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927005427/https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/21/asia/india-bishop-sex-abuse-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A Kerala judicial magistrate extended his judicial custody in jail for 14 days until 20 October 2018. The Kerala High Court rejected the bishop's first application for bail, citing ''[[prima facie]]'' evidence in the case.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-nun-rape-case-bishop-franco-mulakkals-judicial-custody-extended-by-14-days-5389570/|title=Kerala nun rape case: Bishop Franco Mulakkal's judicial custody extended by 14 days|work=indianexpress.com|access-date=2018-10-07|language=en|archive-date=8 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008071247/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-nun-rape-case-bishop-franco-mulakkals-judicial-custody-extended-by-14-days-5389570/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was granted bail on 15 October 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kerala HC Grants Conditional Bail to Bishop Franco Mulakkal in Nun Rape Case |url=https://thewire.in/women/kerala-hc-grants-conditional-bail-to-bishop-franco-mulakkal-in-nun-rape-case |access-date=14 January 2022 |work=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]] |date=15 October 2018 |archive-date=14 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114075629/https://thewire.in/women/kerala-hc-grants-conditional-bail-to-bishop-franco-mulakkal-in-nun-rape-case |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2019, he was formally charged by the Kerala police.<ref name=aprilcharge>{{Cite web |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/41005/indian-bishop-formally-charged-with-rape |title=Indian bishop formally charged with rape |work=Catholic News Agency |date=9 April 2019 |access-date=18 June 2019 |archive-date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410215418/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/indian-bishop-formally-charged-with-rape-39446 |url-status=live }}</ref> The trial began in November 2019.


In September 2018 Kerala Police arrested Mulakkal for allegedly raping a nun multiple times between 2014 and 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-45600402|title=India bishop accused of rape arrested|work=BBC News|date=21 September 2018|publisher=|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kerala Police arrested Franco|work=[[Asianet News]]|url=https://www.asianetnews.com/news/former-jalandhar-franko-mulakkal-arrested-pfeo5t|access-date=2018-09-21}}</ref> The arrest was made in September 2018 in Kochi, India. He was interrogated by the Kerala Police for three days before arrest.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bishop-franco-mulakkal-arrested-in-kerala-nun-rape-case-1345584-2018-09-21|title=Bishop Franco Mulakkal arrested in Kerala nun rape case|work=indiatoday|access-date=2018-09-21|language=en}}</ref> Vijay Sakhare, inspector general of Kerala Police said "After our investigation, we have enough evidence that the bishop, ''prima facie'', has committed the crime."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/21/asia/india-bishop-sex-abuse-intl/index.html|title=Catholic bishop in India arrested after being accused of raping nun|work=CNN|access-date=2018-09-26|language=en}}</ref> A Kerala Judicial Magistrate extended his judicial custody in jail for 14 days until 20 October 2018. The Kerala High Court rejected Mulakkal's first application for bail, citing ''[[prima facie]]'' evidence in the case, and extended his stay in prison by 14 days. Though he got bail <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-nun-rape-case-bishop-franco-mulakkals-judicial-custody-extended-by-14-days-5389570/|title=Kerala nun rape case: Bishop Franco Mulakkal's judicial custody extended by 14 days|work=indianexpress.com|access-date=2018-10-07|language=en}}</ref> he was later formally charged in April 2019 with raping the nun nine times over a two-year period and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.<ref name=aprilcharge>https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/indian-bishop-formally-charged-with-rape-39446</ref> 80 witnesses, including a cardinal, three bishops, 11 priests and 25 nuns, according to Indian Catholic group Save our Sisters, have issued statements against Mulakkal.<ref name=aprilcharge />
On 14 January 2022, the Additional Sessions Court [[Acquittal|acquitted]] him of all charges.<ref name="MM">{{cite news |title=Nun rape case: Court acquits Bishop Franco Mulakkal of all charges |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/01/14/nun-rape-case-franco-mulakkal-verdict.html |access-date=14 January 2022 |work=[[Malayala Manorama]] |date=14 January 2022 |archive-date=14 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114021144/https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/01/14/nun-rape-case-franco-mulakkal-verdict.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/bishop-franco-mulakkal-case-judgment-407656.pdf|title=bishop franco mulakkal case judgment|work=livelaw|access-date=2022-01-13|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115091545/https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/bishop-franco-mulakkal-case-judgment-407656.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The judge stated as the basis for acquittal that the nun's evidence contained "exaggerations and embellishments" and that "[w]hen it is not feasible to separate truth from falsehood, when grain and chaff are inextricably mixed up, the only available course is to discard the evidence in toto."<ref name=BBC-protest>{{cite news |first=Geeta |last=Pandey |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-60065287 |title=Franco Mulakkal: Hundreds write to Kerala nun who lost rape case against bishop |publisher=BBC News |date=21 January 2022 |access-date=21 January 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040433/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-60065287 |url-status=live }}</ref> The court also observed that there was no consistency in the complainant's statement and pointed out that her original version to the doctor is contradictory to the case.<ref>{{Cite news|date=14 January 2022|title=Nun rape case: 'Exaggerations, embellishments' in victim's statements, reads 289-page verdict|work=onmanorama.com|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/01/14/nun-rape-case-bishop-franco-mulakkal-acquitted-additional-sessions-court-verdict.amp.html|access-date=26 January 2022|archive-date=26 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126180450/https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/01/14/nun-rape-case-bishop-franco-mulakkal-acquitted-additional-sessions-court-verdict.amp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> There have been widespread objections to the verdict, including letters published on social media in support of the complainant and five other nuns who supported her.<ref name=BBC-protest/> Meanwhile, the nun and the prosecution are moving to file an appeal in the high court against the verdict.<ref>{{Cite news|date=23 January 2022|title=Nun rape case: Prosecution sets ball rolling for plea in Kerala high court|work=[[Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kerala-appeal-favoured-in-nun-rape-case/articleshow/89067440.cms|access-date=26 January 2022|archive-date=8 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308185726/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kerala-appeal-favoured-in-nun-rape-case/articleshow/89067440.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Catholic Church sexual abuse cases]]
* [[Catholic Church sexual abuse cases]]
* [[Catholic Church sexual abuse cases#India|Catholic Church sexual abuse cases in India]]
* [[Catholic Church sexual abuse cases by country#India]]
* [[Catholic Church sexual abuse cases by country]]
* [[Catholic Church sexual abuse cases by country]]


Line 78: Line 76:
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century Roman Catholic bishops in India]]
[[Category:21st-century Roman Catholic bishops in India]]
[[Category:Christian clergy from Kottayam]]
[[Category:Christian clergy from Thrissur]]
[[Category:Bishops appointed by Pope Francis]]
[[Category:Bishops appointed by Pope Francis]]
[[Category:Rape in India]]
[[Category:Catholic Church sexual abuse scandals]]
[[Category:Catholic Church sexual abuse scandals]]
[[Category:People charged with rape]]
[[Category:Indian Roman Catholic bishops]]
[[Category:Catholic priests convicted of sexual abuse]]
[[Category:Catholic priests convicted of crimes]]

Latest revision as of 10:26, 15 February 2026


Franco Mulakkal
Bishop Emeritus of Jalandhar
ArchdioceseDelhi
DioceseJalandhar
Appointed13 June 2013
Installed4 August 2013
Term ended1 June 2023
PredecessorAnil Joseph Thomas Couto
Orders
Ordination21 April 1990
Consecration21 February 2009
by Vincent Michael Concessao
Personal details
Birth nameFranco Mulakkal
Born (1964-03-25) 25 March 1964 (age 62)
Mattam, Kerala, India
NationalityIndian
DenominationCatholic Church
OccupationBishop
Alma materGuru Nanak Dev University (M.A.)
Alphonsian Academy (D.Phil.)

Franco Mulakkal is an Indian prelate of the Catholic Church. He was a member of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, until changing his sui iuris to the Latin church in lieu of mission work. He worked as the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar from 2013[1][2][3] until his arrest in 2018 on charges of raping a nun.[4] He is the first bishop in Indian Catholic church to be arrested for being accused in a rape case. In January 2022 the Kerala district court declared him innocent without the witnesses changing their statements. The court heard the statements of 39 witnesses in the case and he was acquitted of all charges. But the nuns are still fighting for their cause.[5] He was forced to resign as Jalandhar bishop by the Vatican, and in June 2023 Pope accepted his resignation.[6]

Biography[edit | edit source]

Franco Mulakkal was born in Mattam, Thrissur, Kerala, India on 25 March 1964.[citation needed]

He was ordained for Priesthood at St.Thomas Forane Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Mattom, Thrissur, Kerala on 21 April 1990.[7]

Franco transferred church sui iuris from the Syro-Malabar Church to the Latin Church with his missionary work in northern India. He was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Latin Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi and titular bishop of Chullu on 17 January 2009. He was consecrated a bishop on 21 February 2009. He was appointed bishop of the Latin Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar on 13 June 2013 by Pope Francis. He was installed there on 4 August 2013.[8] He also served as the Secretary of the Regional Bishops Conference of North India and Consultor for the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.[9][10]

Sexual assault allegation and acquittal[edit | edit source]

In June 2018, a nun accused the bishop of rape, and a complaint was filed with the Kerala Police under Section 164 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC, India).[11] The nun alleged that she was raped by Mulakkal thirteen times between 2014 and 2016 during his visits to St. Francis Mission Home, Kuravilangad.[12][13][14][15][16][17] Mulakkal said that rape story was fabricated in retaliation for taking action against the nun with regard to a complaint raised by a woman in 2016 alleging that the nun was having an illicit relationship with her husband, and the nun was removed from her post as Mother Superior after an inquiry.[18] Police said that it was the bishop who first filed a complaint against the nun and the nun filed her complaint a day later. In his complaint, Mulakkal said that a nun was blackmailing him after he took disciplinary action against her, including transferring her, and that her family members are threatening to entrap him in rape case. FIR was filed for both cases.[19] [20] On 20 September 2018, Pope Francis accepted Mulakkal's request for a leave of absence.[21] On 21 September 2018, the Kerala police arrested him.[22][23][24][25] A Kerala judicial magistrate extended his judicial custody in jail for 14 days until 20 October 2018. The Kerala High Court rejected the bishop's first application for bail, citing prima facie evidence in the case.[26] He was granted bail on 15 October 2018.[27] In April 2019, he was formally charged by the Kerala police.[28] The trial began in November 2019.

On 14 January 2022, the Additional Sessions Court acquitted him of all charges.[5][29] The judge stated as the basis for acquittal that the nun's evidence contained "exaggerations and embellishments" and that "[w]hen it is not feasible to separate truth from falsehood, when grain and chaff are inextricably mixed up, the only available course is to discard the evidence in toto."[30] The court also observed that there was no consistency in the complainant's statement and pointed out that her original version to the doctor is contradictory to the case.[31] There have been widespread objections to the verdict, including letters published on social media in support of the complainant and five other nuns who supported her.[30] Meanwhile, the nun and the prosecution are moving to file an appeal in the high court against the verdict.[32]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Bp. Franco visits Salesian College". Salesian College Dimapur. 14 July 2017. Archived from the original on 22 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
  2. ↑ "Newly appointed DIOCESE of Jalandhar, Bishop Franco Mulakkal". calgaryindians.com. Archived from the original on 22 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
  3. ↑ "Franco Mulakkal is new bishop". hindustantimes.com/. 14 June 2013. Archived from the original on 22 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
  4. ↑ Thomas, Saji (2 December 2019). "Mulakkal appears for trial in nun's rape, next hearing set for Jan. 6". Global Sisters Report. National Catholic Reporter. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Nun rape case: Court acquits Bishop Franco Mulakkal of all charges". Malayala Manorama. 14 January 2022. Archived from the original on 14 January 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  6. ↑ "Kerala nun rape case accused Franco Mulakkal resigns as Jalandhar Bishop". June 2023.
  7. ↑ Franco, Mulakkal. "Bishop Franco Mulakkal biography" (PDF). files.mulakkal.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 September 2018. Retrieved 23 September 2018.
  8. ↑ "Dr Franco Mulakkal installed as Jalandhar Bishop". Jalandhar Tribune. 5 August 2013. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
  9. ↑ "Bishop Franco Mulakkal | Bishop of Jalandhar Diocese Franco Mulakkal | Ucanews". directory.ucanews.com. Archived from the original on 25 June 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  10. ↑ Cheney, David M. "Bishop Franco Mulakkal (Aippunny) [Catholic-Hierarchy]". catholic-hierarchy.org. Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  11. ↑ Express News Service (9 July 2018). "Rape complaint: Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal not to be grilled soon". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 17 July 2018.
  12. ↑ "Kerala rape case: Pope temporarily relieves Bishop Mulakkal of pastoral duties". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 20 September 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  13. ↑ "Bishop Franco Mulakkal, Accused Of Raping Kerala Nun, Temporarily Removed By Vatican". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  14. ↑ "Nun 'rape' case: SIT to question bishop for 3rd day tomorrow". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 August 2019. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  15. ↑ "Kerala nun rape case: Accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal quizzed for 8 hours on Day 2". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 21 September 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  16. ↑ "Kerala nun rape case: Bishop Franco Mulakkal appears before probe team". India Today. Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  17. ↑ "Indian bishop accused of rape steps aside, requests leave from Vatican". Catholic News Agency. Archived from the original on 21 September 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  18. ↑ Express News Service (19 September 2018). "Kerala nun rape case: Allegations made up for revenge, alleges Bishop Franco Mulakkal". The New Indian Express. Malayala Manorama. Archived from the original on 14 January 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2022. ...she held the highest post in the congregation as the superior general for nine years
  19. ↑ News18 (2 July 2018). "Kerala Nun Accuses Jalandhar Bishop of Sexually Abusing Her 13 Times; Church 'Ignores' Complaint". News18. Archived from the original on 14 January 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  20. ↑ Express News Service (9 July 2018). "Rape complaint: Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal not to be grilled soon". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  21. ↑ "Pope names administrator as Indian bishop investigated for alleged rape". 20 September 2018. Archived from the original on 16 August 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  22. ↑ "India bishop accused of rape arrested". BBC News. 21 September 2018. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  23. ↑ "Kerala Police arrested Franco". Asianet News. Archived from the original on 21 September 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  24. ↑ "Bishop Franco Mulakkal arrested in Kerala nun rape case". indiatoday. Archived from the original on 21 September 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  25. ↑ "Catholic bishop in India arrested after being accused of raping nun". CNN. Archived from the original on 27 September 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  26. ↑ "Kerala nun rape case: Bishop Franco Mulakkal's judicial custody extended by 14 days". indianexpress.com. Archived from the original on 8 October 2018. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  27. ↑ "Kerala HC Grants Conditional Bail to Bishop Franco Mulakkal in Nun Rape Case". The Wire. 15 October 2018. Archived from the original on 14 January 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  28. ↑ "Indian bishop formally charged with rape". Catholic News Agency. 9 April 2019. Archived from the original on 10 April 2019. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  29. ↑ "bishop franco mulakkal case judgment" (PDF). livelaw. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 January 2022. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Pandey, Geeta (21 January 2022). "Franco Mulakkal: Hundreds write to Kerala nun who lost rape case against bishop". BBC News. Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  31. ↑ "Nun rape case: 'Exaggerations, embellishments' in victim's statements, reads 289-page verdict". onmanorama.com. 14 January 2022. Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  32. ↑ "Nun rape case: Prosecution sets ball rolling for plea in Kerala high court". Times of India. 23 January 2022. Archived from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2022.

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