The defendant is Monsignor Jorge Ornelas, current bishop of Leiria Fátima and president of the CEP, accused of having covered up as a hierarchical superior a case of sexual abuse in a Mozambican orphanage that involved an Italian priest in 2011, according to a note today from the Public newspaper.
The Portuguese Episcopal Conference reacted immediately with a statement acknowledging that Monsignor Ornelas had “received information about possible mistreatment” in 2011, but that after an investigation “no evidence” had been established.
Both the Mozambican and Italian justices decided to file the case, the Church’s statement said, and assured that at the moment Ornelas had not been informed of the opening of an investigation by the Public Ministry.
In recent months, the Portuguese justice system has opened several investigations into alleged sexual assaults in the Church following testimonies from alleged victims gathered by an independent commission. This commission, made up of six experts, was created at the initiative of the Portuguese Church. His work, which should be completed by the end of this year, will give rise to a report that will be delivered to the CEP.
The Church of Portugal today reaffirmed its determination to continue “fully cooperating” with the authorities to clarify any case of sexual abuse.
Source: Ambito
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