Spanish archbishop summoned to Vatican to discuss handling of sex-abuse charges

November 21, 2014

Archbishop Francisco Martínez Fernández of Granada, Spain, has reportedly been summoned to Rome to discuss his handling of reports about a ring of pedophile priests.

Earlier this year the archbishop suspended three priests after receiving credible evidence that the clerics were involved with a group of abusers. But reports persisted that other priests were involved, and in recent weeks ten priests have been removed from ministry.

The scandal in Granada become more widely known when Pope Francis placed a personal phone call to a young man who had written to the Pontiff, describing his experience as a victim of abuse. The Pope assured the young man that Vatican officials were looking into the case and would demand a thorough response.

Archbishop Martinez has acknowledged that some accusations of abuse went unanswered, but said that he did not have enough information to justify more aggressive action.

 

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Further information:

• Vatican summons archbishop over alleged paedophile ring (Irish Times)
• 10 Spanish priest removed in abuse inquiry; Pope calls to apologize to victim (CWN, 11/19)