The Vatican on Monday revoked the
diplomatic immunity of papal nuncio to France mons. Luigi
Ventura, who is under investigation for "sexual attacks," the
French foreign ministry announced.
A Quai d'Orsay spokesman said the ministry had received
confirmation that its request for his immunity to be lifted had
been met.
On February 18 Le Monde reported that a second complaint of
sexual assault has been filed against Ventura.
Another Paris city council clerk, 39-year-old Benjamin G, has
reported Monsignor Ventura, the French daily said.
On February 15 Le Monde said Ventura had been placed under
investigation by Paris prosecutors on suspicion of "sexual
attacks" on a young functionary on the Paris council.
The "aggressions" are said to have taken place during a
reception at the Hotel de Ville on January 17, the French daily
said.
Originally from Lombardy, Ventura is 74 and has been the
Vatican's envoy to Paris since 2009.
Interim director the of the Vatican press office Alessandro
Gisotti told journalists: "The Holy See has learned from the
press that an investigation has been launched by French
authorities into Msgr Luigi Ventura, Apostolic Nuncio in Paris.
"The Holy See is awaiting the result of the investigations".
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