Arrest of Rome priest is latest in series of Italian sex abuse cases

Published: 2004-02-26

ROME (CNS) -- The arrest of a Rome priest for suspicion of sexual assault against a minor is the latest in a series of sex abuse cases that recently have come to light in Italy. In February, news media highlighted at least six pedophilia cases under investigation, including three involving priests. In mid-February, Father Paolo Pellegrini, a 52-year-old pastor in Colleferro outside Rome, was arrested on charges of aggravated sexual assault. The arrest came after his alleged victim, an 18-year-old male, went to the police and told them the priest had abused him since he was 13 years old, according to Italian newspaper reports. The police reportedly found videotapes in the priest's house showing sexual acts with the victim and with a 12-year-old boy. According to the Italian news agency ANSA, in 1998 the priest had been reported to police for exposing himself to a young girl, but no action had been taken at that time.

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