Vatican City-State Archives

At Vatican trial, ex-student says he witnessed abuse at minor seminary

Mar 26, 2021

A former student at the St. Pius X Pre-Seminary in the Vatican said he witnessed “dozens” of instances of abuse at the minor seminary.

By Junno Arocho Esteves

Ex-Vatican altar boy testifies in seminary sex abuse trial

Mar 18, 2021

A former Vatican altar boy has testified that an older seminarian would come into his bed at night to perform a sexual act on him in the Vatican’s youth seminary, saying his initial shock gave way to resignation because he feared being sent home.

By Nicole Winfield

At trial, former students recall ‘unhealthy’ environment at minor seminary

Feb 24, 2021

Several former students told a Vatican court that they experienced an “unhealthy” environment at a minor seminary inside the Vatican.

By Junno Arocho Esteves

Vatican City law abolishes ‘in absentia’ trials, allows reduced sentencing

Feb 16, 2021

Pope Francis approved a number of changes to Vatican City State’s penal code and criminal justice proceedings, including the possibilities of reduced sentences, rehabilitation programs and community service sentencing, as well as no longer allowing trials “in absentia.”

By Carol Glatz

At Vatican trial, priest says abuse charges caused by jealousy

Feb 10, 2021

A priest accused of abusing a younger student at a minor seminary located at the Vatican cited jealousy as the main reason behind the allegations against him.

By Junno Arocho Esteves

Sistine Chapel key-keeper opens up after lockdown

Feb 7, 2021

The Sistine Chapel reopened to public view last week for the first time since its November coronavirus closure, but for Gianni Crea, the doors to Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoes were never really closed.

By Paolo Lucariello and Elisa Colella