Holy See awaits Vilnius Archdiocese investigation findings

The Holy See is awaiting the findings of an investigation by the Vilnius Archdiocese into a sexual abuse scandal that emerged this week, the Vatican diplomatic mission in Lithuania told LRT.

The Apostolic Nunciature said it wanted to express solidarity with the victims and their families, adding that people who had suffered deserved particular attention.

The nunciature said criminal proceedings fell under the responsibility of state institutions, while the canonical investigation was the responsibility of the Vilnius Archdiocese. It advised those seeking information about specific actions taken or planned to contact the archdiocese directly.

The Vatican mission said it trusted the work of the relevant state institutions and the Vilnius Archdiocese and was awaiting the conclusions of the relevant procedures.

The Holy See had been informed about the situation, was monitoring it with great concern and was receiving regular updates, the nunciature said. It also reaffirmed its policy of “complete intolerance” towards all forms of abuse.

LRT reported that two criminal cases in which priests face charges of sexual offences against minors were sent to court this week. A clergyman who worked in the Vilnius Archdiocese is accused of 34 criminal episodes involving the sexual abuse of children, possession of pornographic material and involving children in drinking. The case has 11 victims, who were aged between 12 and 18 when the alleged offences took place.