Vatican child abuse trial set for former Polish archbishop
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
16.06.2015 09:58
The Vatican has confirmed that its former envoy to the Dominican Republic is due to stand trial in July, charged with sexually abusing minors and the possession of child pornography.
Pope Francis blesses faithful during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's square at the Vatican, Vatican City, 14 June 2015. EPA/MAURIZIO BRAMBATTI
Former archbishop and papal nuncio to the Dominican Republic Józef Wesołowski was defrocked in June 2014, having intially been recalled from his post in the Caribbean in August 2013.
According to a statement released by the Tribunal of Vatican City State, Wesolowski's first hearing will be on 11 July.
The tribunal has noted that the child abuse allegations, which concern Wesołowski's tenure as nuncio in the Dominican Republic between January 2008 and August 2013, are “based on evidence transmitted by the judicial authorities of Santo Domingo.”
The possession of child pornography charge relates to material allegedly found in Wesołowski's lodgings following his return to Rome.
The tribunal has said that if necessary, it will make use of “international legal cooperation for the evaluation of testimonial evidence from the competent authorities in Santo Domingo.
“This will be a delicate and detailed procedure, requiring the most careful observations and insights from all parties involved in the trial.”
Wesolowski's is the second recent child abuse case concerning a Polish clergyman won worked in the Dominican Republic. The first involved Father Wojciech G. (full name withheld under Polish privacy laws), whose case was handled by Polish courts after his arrest near Kraków in 2014. (nh)