Vatican vows cooperation with Dominican Republic in abuse investigation against nuncio

September 13, 2013

The Vatican has promised to cooperate fully with prosecutors in the Dominican Republic who are investigating sex-abuse charges against Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski, who was recently removed from his post as apostolic nuncio there.

Archbishop Wesolowski was recalled to Rome in August, after Cardinal Nicolas Lopez Rodriguez informed Pope Francis that he had heard reports of sexual abuse by the Vatican envoy. Shortly after his departure, authorities in the Dominican Republic disclosed that several families had filed complaints against him.

“The recall of the ambassador is by no means an effort to avoid taking responsibility for what might possibly be verified,” said Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office.

The chief prosecutor in the Dominican Republic has stated that if an investigation produces enough evidence, he will ask the Vatican to extradite Archbishop Wesolowski to face trial there. Such a request would test the Vatican’s resolve, since the Dominican Republic and the Holy See do not have an extradition treaty.

 

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Further information:

• Vatican Says It’s Assisting Dominicans in Abuse Case (AP)
• Vatican willing to hand over accused nuncio to civil authorities (CNA)
• Vatican to work with Dominican Republic on nuncio accusation (ANSA)
• Dominican cardinal reported to Vatican about sex-abuse charges against papal nuncio (CWN, 9/11)