The Archbishop of Toulouse has reversed his decision to appoint a convicted rapist as diocesan chancellor following outrage from abuse survivors, church leaders, and the wider Catholic community.

Archbishop Guy de Kerimel had initially promoted Fr. Dominique Spina—who was jailed in 2005 for raping a teenage seminary candidate—to the senior post in June.

The announcement sparked fury, with victims’ groups calling the move “simply scandalous,” and the French bishops’ conference warning that “such an appointment … can only reopen wounds, reawaken suspicions, and disconcert the people of God,” according to The Catholic Herald.

Amid mounting criticism, Archbishop de Kerimel confirmed on August 16 that Fr. Spina had resigned “with genuine openness of heart,” and that Fr. Léopold Biyoki would assume the role in September.

The archbishop apologized to victims, admitting: “My decision was interpreted by many people as a snub to the victims of sexual abuse; I ask the victims’ forgiveness.”

He also defended his reasoning, insisting the Church must find ways to balance justice and mercy. “We believe that justice is not opposed to mercy, and mercy is not opposed to justice,” he wrote.