Dominican prosecutor: strong evidence of abuse by apostolic nuncio

September 23, 2013

A prosecutor in the Dominican Republic says that he has clear evidence that the apostolic nuncio there, Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski, was guilty of sexual abuse of minors.

Archbishop Wesolowski was recalled to Rome in August, after Church leaders in the Dominican Republic informed Pope Francis that they had uncovered evidence of sexual abuse by the papal representative. The evidence was also turned over to civil authorities.

Bolivar Sanchez, the chief prosecutor in the case, reports that Church officials have cooperated fully with his investigation. The Vatican has also promised full cooperation.

The justice ministry in the Dominican Republic also announced the arrest of a Franciscan who reportedly testified that he had procured a young victim for Archbishop Wesolowski, and said that he had been the nuncio’s sexual partner as well.

 

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Further information:

• Dominican official cites proof as Vatican envoy pedophilia case explodes (Dominican Today)
• Vatican vows cooperation with Dominican Republic in abuse investigation against nuncio (CWN, 9/13)