Defrocked Archbishop Could Be Tried

Voice of the Faithful® hopes the Vatican’s laicization of former archbishop Jozef Wesolowski signals a new, uncompromising commitment to holding hierarchy involved in sexal abuse of minors accountable for their actions.

Reported in late June 2014, the move seemed to demonstrate Pope Francis’ resolve in promoting “zero tolerance” for clergy sexual abuse. Since then, Since then, more has become known about Mr. Wesolowski and his possible fate. Here are several news stories offering updates:

For nuncio accused of abuse, Dominicans want justice at home, not abroad
“The boys say he gave them money to perform sexual acts … It was only after he was spirited out of the country, the boys say, his picture splashed all over the local news media, that they learned his real identity: Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski, the Vatican’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic … The case is the first time that a top Vatican ambassador, or nuncio — who serves as a personal envoy of the pope — has been accused of sexual abuse of minors …” By Laurie Goodstein, The New York Times

As well as —

— A familiar figure on the Santo Domingo waterfront, By Meridith Kohut for The New York Times

— Former diplomat who abused children could face extradition, By David Gibson, Religion News Service

— Ex-diplomat for the Vatican could be tried, By Laurie Goodstein, The New York Times