Not wearing the priest's white collar, Gabriele Martinelli presented himself at the second hearing of the Vatican's tribunal. He is being tried for having allegedly abused one of his peers at the St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary when both where students there.
This time, the victim's lawyer managed to get the judge to institutionally summon the Preparatory Seminary and “Opera Don Folci” that runs it. He denounces “objective responsibilities,” “lack of supervision” and “great negligence” by the institution. The hearing was postponed to Nov. 19.
Enrico Radice, rector of the institution at the time of the alleged crimes, was also present. He is facing charges of complicity and hindering an investigation.
The incidents took place between 2007 and 2012 at the Preparatory Seminary on Vatican territory. That makes this the Vatican's first civil trial for abuses that occurred within its jurisdiction.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: CT
