International
French priest, retired bishop convicted for sexually abusing multiple minors
The Vatican has come under fresh pressure after a French priest, Pierre de Castelet, and a retired bishop, Andre Fort were both convicted by a court in France for sexually abusing multiple children.
Reports say Pierre was sentenced to two years in prison, while his former bishop has been given a suspended sentence of eight months for failing to report the crimes.
The ruling according to court officials forbids Pierre from working as a priest or meeting with minors, even as the three victims were awarded 16,000 euros ($18,245) each in damages.
Read also: KHASHOGGI: US politicians accuse Trump of foot-dragging over sanctions against Saudi Arabia
Pierre, 69, was convicted for abusing children during a summer camp in 1993, where he touched them inappropriately while pretending to carry out medical examinations.
The string of abuses committed by clergy in the Americas, Australia and Europe has put the Vatican under serious pressure with critics accusing it of delaying punishment against erring bishop’s under its jurisdiction.
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