Pope Francis Orders Transfer of Seminary Accused of Sexual Abuse Allegations Outside the Vatican

▲Pope Francis [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Pope Francis has ordered the relocation of the minor seminary within Vatican City, which has been at the center of allegations of sexual abuse of minors.

On the 25th (local time), the Holy See announced that the Pope has ordered the relocation of the Pontifical Minor Seminary of Saint Pius X outside Vatican City by September.

The Pontifical Minor Seminary of Saint Pius X was established in 1956 by Pope Pius XII and currently serves as a dormitory for seminarians who aspire to become priests and serve as altar boys (boys assisting in the priest's Mass) at St. Peter's Basilica.

According to major foreign media, this seminary became controversial due to allegations of sexual abuse among students between 2007 and 2012, before Pope Francis's papacy.

As a result, two individuals from the seminary, Father Gabriele Martinelli (28) and former rector Father Enrico Radice (72), were brought to trial last year.

Father Martinelli is accused of forcing a fellow student into sexual relations during his time as a student, while Father Radice is on trial for allegedly covering up the incident as the then-rector.

This is the first trial related to sexual abuse at a Catholic seminary conducted within the territory of Vatican City, drawing significant attention.

Both deny the charges brought against them in court.

The trial is expected to conclude by the end of this year.

The Holy See described the Pope's order to relocate the Pontifical Minor Seminary of Saint Pius X as "a matter that has been under review for some time."

Since the seminary where students actually attend classes is located in Rome, Italy, the relocation is expected to make commuting easier.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.