Ewa Malcher
Former nuncio Józef Wesołowski, accused of pedophilia, has died in the Dominican Republic. Polish-born Wesołowski had been waiting for the resumption of a trial in which he had been accused of pedophilia.
The 67-year old was the highest former dignitary of the Roman Catholic Church to be accused of pedophilia.
Shortly before the trial was due to start on 10 former archbishop July Wesołowski was taken into intensive care and was discharged after a few days.
The scandal was associated with allegations of pedophilia that erupted in the Vatican at the beginning of September 2013.
In August Wesołowski was dismissed from his post of apostolic nuncio to the Dominican Republic, which he had held for five years after a long diplomatic career in many countries around the world.
The decision on his immediate dismissal was taken by Pope Francis, after representatives of the Church in the Dominican Republic informed the Vatican of alleged wrongdoings.
Allegedly Wesołowski had forced minors into sexual acts, and his computer contained huge quantities of child pornography. One of his victims was reported to be a 13-year-old epileptic who, in exchange for sexual favours, received medication.
Wesołowski was defrocked by the Vatican in late 2013, and his trial was meant to be the first time a high-ranking church official has faced a Vatican judge. (jh/rk)
