Vatican: Investigating Two Cases Of Child Porn Found Within The Holy City
According to the Holy See’s prosecutor general, an announcement has been made to proclaim that an investigation is currently underway to determine the punishment of individuals that were found in possession of child porn. The pornography was discovered last year within the walls of the Vatican, in the possession of two former residents. Child porn was not the only illegal contraband found within the Vatican’s walls, but is the main focus of the investigation. Pope Francis has not commented on the specific case, but is watching the investigation closely. Last year, only six individuals spent time in the Vatican jail.
The Guardian reported that the child porn was found after worldwide accusations of sexual abuse by priests was brought to light. The Holy See’s Promoter of Justice, Gian Piero Milano, swore to take action against pedophilia and he began his conquest in the heart of Vatican City. Milano would not name the individuals tied to the investigation. However, Fedrico Lombardi, The Holy See’s Spokesperson, identified disgraced former ambassador Josef Weolowski as one of the individuals that had possession of child porn, the Guardian reported.
Wesolowski had his diplomatic immunity removed last year after he was accused of abusing young boys during a trip to the Dominican Republic. He is currently awaiting trial within the Vatican. His case will be the first sexual abuse case the the Holy See will oversee.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Wesolowski did not have a comment on the case and would not provide contact information for his lawyer.
In addition to child pornography, there were quite a few findings of illegal activity found to have been taking place within the Vatican walls. Drug trafficking and money laundering were two of the bigger crimes next to child pornography. Three drug deliveries were intercepted, one of which included a package containing cocaine filled condoms. No one came forward to claim the drugs.
The Vatican has shared that it is serious to clear the name of the church from atrocities such as child pornography, drug use, and money laundering, hoping to bring a positive spin back to the institution that has become questioned for some time. It hopes that revealing the wrongdoing within the holy walls of the Vatican will send the message that horrendous activities such as child abuse and pornography will not be tolerated, and abuse outside of the walls will stop. However, if it does not, the Vatican is willing approach the offenders.
[Photo Courtesy: Jamaica Observer]
