Franco Mulakkal, a former Indian Catholic prelate, held significant positions within the Church. This biography details his life, career, controversies, and notable facts.

Biography/Wiki

Born on March 25, 1964, into a Christian family in Mattam, Kerala, India, Mulakkal pursued higher education. He earned a Master of Arts degree from Guru Nanak Dev University (G.N.D.U.) in Amritsar, Punjab, and later a D.Phil. from the Alphonsian Academy in Rome, Italy.

Career

His career in the Catholic Church saw him appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi and Titular Bishop of Chullu, Azerbaijan, on January 17, 2009. Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Jalandhar on June 13, 2013.

Controversy

A significant controversy unfolded in June 2018 when a nun in Kerala accused Mulakkal of rape, alleging 13 instances between 2014 and 2016. This led to a complaint filed under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in India. The accusations extended to include sexual misconduct allegations from three additional nuns. He temporarily stepped down on September 15, 2018. Subsequently, he was acquitted by the Kerala High Court.

The nun who initially filed the complaint expressed profound disappointment with the court’s decision, fearing that the investigation would be stifled and justice denied.

Interesting Facts

Mulakkal’s roles extended beyond his episcopal duties. He served as Secretary of the Regional Bishops’ Conference of North India and as a consultor for the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in Rome, Italy.

His career trajectory, marked by both high-profile appointments and significant controversy, remains a subject of public interest and ongoing discussion.

Key aspects of his life, from his academic pursuits to his ecclesiastical roles and the subsequent legal battles, contribute to a complex and multifaceted portrait.

The impact of the allegations and the subsequent legal proceedings continue to resonate within the Catholic community and beyond.