Catholic Church Refuses to Dismiss Priest Accused of Abusing Inuit Children

Catholic Church has opted not to dismiss a French clergyman accused of sexually abusing Inuit children in Cana's north, despite fervent appeals from senior church officials in Cana. Johannes Rivoire, commonly referred to as "devil priest," faces allegations of sexual assault dating back to his time working in Arctic communities during 1960s and 70s.

Rivoire, who served as a priest with Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, returned to France in 1993 after his tenure in Cana. Police laid charges against him following accusations of sexual abuse in communities such as Arviat, Rankin Inlet, and Naujaat. However, charges were stayed, largely due to France's policy of not extriting its citizens to face charges abro. Now in his mid-90s, Rivoire remains subject of a Cana-wide arrest warrant.

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case gained renewed attention in 2021 when Inuk elder Peter Irniq revealed that his friend, Marius Tungilik, was one of Rivoire's alleged victims. Tungilik, who died by suicide in 2012, struggled with trauma inflicted by priest, according to Irniq.

Efforts to hold Rivoire accountable have faced obstacles. Both Oblates of Mary Immaculate and OMI Lacombe Cana, along with Oblates of Province of France, implored church leership in Rome to dismiss Rivoire from his congregation. However, as per a report from Guardian, this plea was rebuffed, with officials citing Rivoire's vanced age and declining health.

Many members of church are unhappy with Rome's decision 

Far Ken Thorson, leer of Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) Lacombe Cana, expressed deep disappointment at decision from Rome. While a dismissal would not compel Rivoire to return to Cana to face charges, Thorson believed it would have demonstrated church's commitment to reconciliation and accountability.

In response to ongoing situation, Cana's justice minister, Arif Virani, stated that government is collaborating with Interpol and has requested a "red notice" to apprehend Rivoire if he were to leave France.

case underscores challenges of pursuing justice in cases of historical abuse and complexities surrounding extrition and accountability, particularly within religious institutions.