Former nuncio to France sentenced for sexual assaults

The former apostolic nuncio to France, Msgr. Luigi Ventura, was sentenced to an eight-month suspended prison term, which means he won't go to jail as long as he abides by the court's conditions.

The former Vatican diplomatic representative, 76 years old, was found guilty of sexually assaulting five men in 2018 and 2019, during his diplomatic mission in Paris.

In July, 2019, after the accusations were revealed, the Holy See denied Luigi Ventura's diplomatic immunity so he could be judged in Paris.

The former nuncio now lives in Rome and has repeatedly denied accusations. His lawyers say they will appeal the decision of the French courts.

Daniel Díaz Vizzi

Translation: CT