Vatican lifts French envoy's immunity over abuse claims

Vatican lifts French envoy's immunity over abuse claims

The Vatican’s representative in France since 2009, Luigi Ventura stands accused of sexual harassment

By Senhan Bolelli

MADRID (AA) -The Vatican on Monday lifted diplomatic immunity from its envoy in France, Luigi Ventura, following accusations of sexual harassment.

France's Foreign Ministry received a confirmation from the Vatican of the renunciation of immunity, a ministry spokesperson said in a statement.

An investigation into the archbishop began in January after a junior official at Paris City Hall accused him of sexual molestation, but due to his immunity, Ventura, 74, could not be questioned by prosecutors.

A Vatican spokesman also said in a statement that the action is "an extraordinary gesture that confirms the nuncio’s willingness, expressed from the outset, to cooperate fully and spontaneously with French judicial authorities."

Alessandro Gisotti said that the Vatican had waited for the end of the preliminary phase of the investigation and informed the French government last week of its decision to lift the immunity of Ventura, the Vatican’s representative in France since 2009.

Ventura has been accused of sexual assault by three more people since February. He testified to French police in April.

*Writing by Beyza Binnur Donmez

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