Swiss Bishops' Conference welcomes resignation of Abbot

 Bishops' Conference welcomes resignation of Abbot of Saint-Maurice

The Swiss Bishops' Conference has commented on the resignation of Jean Scarcella as Abbot of Saint-Maurice. It welcomes this step, it announced, and thanks him for his cooperation.

On Saturday, the Vatican accepted the resignation of Abbot Jean Scarcella as Abbot of Saint-Maurice. The same evening, the Swiss Bishops' Conference issued a statement on the matter. Its President is Charles Morerod, Bishop of Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg.

The Swiss Bishops' Conference stated that it had noted the news and welcomed the step. At the same time, the SBC thanked the abbot for his ten years of service on its committee.

Investigation report decisive

The Abbey of Saint-Maurice in Valais has commissioned an independent report on sexual abuse by its canons over the past decades. "Abbot Jean Scarcella had waited for the publication of the report on June 20 and has now decided to resign so that his successor can tackle the reforms and renewals called for in the report," writes the SBC.

Jean Scarcella again participated in the last plenary session of the body at the beginning of June. This was only briefly noted in the SBC press release, while the new Bishop of St. Gallen, Beat Grögli, was warmly welcomed. Scarcella was a member of the body of Swiss bishops as territorial abbot.

Abbot again after "nihil obstat" from Rome

Jean Scarcella voluntarily resigned from his position as Abbot of Saint-Maurice a year and a half ago due to allegations of abuse. This March, he received the "nihil obstat" from the Dicastery of Bishops, allowing him to serve as abbot again. He did so, which provoked critical reactions, especially from the umbrella organization of the regional churches.

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