First Vatican Child Sex Abuse Trial Delayed

First Vatican Child Sex Abuse Trial Delayed

VATICAN CITY, July 11 (UPI) — A former Roman Catholic archbishop accused of sexually abusing boys was hospitalized in intensive care Saturday, the day his trial was to start.

Jozef Wesolowski, 66, the highest-ranking former Vatican official arrested on child sexual abuse allegations, was admitted for an “unexpected illness.” It is unclear when the trial will resume. He has already been found guilty by a church tribunal and defrocked.

Wesolowski is the first to be tried at the Vatican on such charges. If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

Originally from Poland, Wesolowski was ordained by Pope John Paul II and worked as papal envoy to the Dominican Republic for five years. He was recalled to the Vatican by Pope Francis in 2013 after allegations surfaced he sexually abused boys and was in possession of child pornography.

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