Vatican envoy to France is investigated over claims he sexually molested a young male employee at Paris City Hall during a ceremony of wishes
- Probe launched into alleged ‘sexual aggression’ by Catholic priest Luigi Ventura
- 74-year-old has been in Paris since 2009 and serves as diplomat for Pope Francis
- Investigated over claims he sexually molested a young male employee at Paris City Hall during ceremony of wishes on January 17
Prosecutors have opened an investigation into alleged ‘sexual aggression’ by Catholic priest Luigi Ventura (pictured)
The Vatican’s envoy to France is being investigated over claims he sexually molested a young male employee at Paris City Hall.
Prosecutors have launched a probe into alleged ‘sexual aggression’ by Catholic priest Luigi Ventura, the Apostolic Nuncio to France.
According to French media, 74-year-old Ventura is suspected of having sexually molested the man during a ceremony of wishes in the capital on January 17.
Le Monde newspaper first reported the investigation and the allegations against Ventura on Friday.
Ventura has been based in Paris since 2009 and serves as a diplomat for Pope Francis.
He was reportedly accused of molesting a man at the Paris town hall where mayor Anne Hidalgo gave a New Year’s address to diplomats, religious leaders and civil society figures.
A complaint was filed by the mayor’s office on January 24 which led to an investigation being opened the day after, a judicial source said.
An investigation will be conducted by Paris police, added the official, who was not authorised to speak publicly because the investigation is ongoing.
Ventura has been based in Paris since 2009 and serves as a diplomat for Pope Francis. He is pictured with French President Emmanuel Macron on January 4, 2018