In a groundbreaking decision, the Vatican Court of Appeals sentenced Father Gabriele Martinelli, a 31-year-old priest, to two and a half years in prison for the sexual abuse of a minor. This historic ruling marks the first conviction for sexual violence committed within the sovereign territory of the Vatican.
Martinelli, who served as an altar boy at the St. Pius X Pre-Seminary, was found guilty of corrupting a minor during his time at the institution, specifically between 2007 and 2012. The case, initiated by the victim identified as L.G., accused Martinelli of manipulating his senior position to force L.G. into sexual relations. The court also imposed a 1,000 euro fine on Martinelli to cover the legal proceedings.
The decision, which has been described as historic by the victim’s lawyer Laura Sgrò, overturns a previous 2021 acquittal due to insufficient evidence. “This is the first verdict dealing with sexual violence, and convicting someone for it, inside the Vatican. From this point of view, this is historic,” Sgrò told the Washington Post.
The trial, which began in October 2020, was part of a broader push by Pope Francis to enhance transparency and accountability in handling abuse cases within the Church. Despite the initial acquittal, the Vatican’s highest court reversed the decision, acknowledging Martinelli’s abuse of power over the younger seminarians.
The victim, who expressed relief and vindication at the verdict, told the Washington Post, “For years I was told I was a pervert, a faker, a liar, a madman, who was exploiting this for his own ends. But all these years of pain and fatigue now have a meaning. There’s some lightness pouring in.”
While this conviction is a significant step in addressing abuse within the Church, the decision whether Martinelli can remain a priest has yet to be addressed. The case is still open for appeal to the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the Vatican’s highest court.
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