Vatican cardinal sues for defamation in Quebec assault claim

Cardinal Marc Ouellet, head of the Vatican’s bishops’ office, is seeking $100,000 in compensatory damages for “injury to his reputation, honor and dignity,” according to a copy of the complaint provided by Mr Ouellet’s office (Andrew Medichini/AP/PA)

A Vatican cardinal has sued a Canadian woman for defamation in a Canadian court after she accused him of sexual assault while he was archbishop of Quebec.

Cardinal Marc Ouellet, head of the Vatican’s bishops’ office, is seeking 100,000 Canadian dollars (£60,000) in compensatory damages for “injury to his reputation, honour and dignity”, according to a copy of the complaint provided by the cardinal’s office.