Pope Francis accepts resignation of Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal accused of rape

Mulakkal, 59, was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Jalandhar in 2013. He stepped down temporarily from the post in 2018 when he was accused by a nun of raping her multiple times.

Bishop Franco Mulakkal (2nd R), accused of raping a nun, is pictured outside a crime branch office on the outskirts of Kochi in the southern state of Kerala | Reuters file image/Sivaram V

Vatican City: Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Franco Mulakkal as bishop of Jalandhar in northern India, who was acquitted last year of repeatedly raping a nun over a two-year period.

The Vatican announced the decision on Thursday, without giving any further information.

Mulakkal, 59, was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Jalandhar, in Punjab state, in 2013. He stepped down temporarily from the post in 2018 when he was accused by a nun of raping her multiple times.

A court acquitted him in January 2022, but both the investigating officer and the nun have appealed the verdict.

Indian media said Pope Francis met Mulakkal in February, but the Vatican gave no information about the encounter.

Bishops traditionally hand in their resignation when they turn 75.

(Reporting by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Ros Russell)

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