As the online journal "7Margens" reported on Tuesday, those responsible in the pilgrimage site of Fatima are not considering removing the mosaic from Marko Rupnik's studio, which takes up the entire chancel of the Holy Trinity Church.
However, photos of the artwork will no longer be used elsewhere.
This is a different decision in Fatima than in the French pilgrimage site of Lourdes.
On Monday, the pilgrimage management there began to cover up mosaics by ex-Jesuit priest Marko Rupnik (70).
The aim of the campaign is to enable those affected by abuse to visit Lourdes without having to come into contact with the artist's works. Rupnik is accused by at least 20 women of having seduced and sexually exploited them.
No more use as advertising material
When asked by the online magazine, the communication service of the Shrine of Fatima emphasised that it "strongly rejects the acts committed by Father M. I. Rupnik" and has already expressed solidarity with those affected.
With regard to the mosaics, the statement says: "We are not considering removing them.
However, since we learnt of the allegations against Father M. I. Rupnik, we have suspended the use of the image, the entire work and details in our promotional materials."
The renowned Slovenian artist Rupnik had fallen into disrepute due to various allegations of sexual harassment and spiritual abuse. The Jesuit order and the Vatican imposed punitive measures on him.
In June 2023, the Jesuits also expelled Rupnik "for persistent disobedience" because he ignored requirements.
As the magazine reports, the Roman Aletti Centre, whose founder and director Rupnik was until 2020, installed a 500 square metre mosaic plaque in Fatima in 2007.
A few years later, the shrine also commissioned two icons of the little shepherds Francisco and Jacinta from Rupnik, which were presented in February 2014.