In a statement published April 5 on its website, the SSPX expressed deep regret over the abuse.
“The Society of St. Pius X cannot find strong enough words to condemn these acts, which have irreparable consequences. It wishes to express its profound compassion for the victims, whom it intends to support as much as possible.”
The accused priest, according to the SSPX, had “been the subject of appropriate disciplinary supervision within the fraternity.”
Furthermore, the statement said, “when, in 2019, the fraternity’s superiors learned of the existence of facts relevant to the tribunal, they reported them to the judicial authorities and strengthened the disciplinary framework.”
In a critical response to the statement, the victim advocacy platform SSPX Victims Collective noted that Rostand held senior roles and positions of authority, and that at least two other priests had been accused.
“For the third time in nine months, a priest of the fraternity [of St. Pius X] finds himself before a French court for sexual assault or rape. Not to mention multiple proceedings abroad,” the group said in a statement.
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