Police announced the arrest of a priest from a parish in Cosenza, Calabria on 28/7, following an investigation. The priest's identity has not been released.

The priest is accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy during parish activities. Police say he exploited the victim's difficult circumstances to commit the abuse from 2015 to 2020, after the boy reached the age of majority.

Headquarters of the Italian Episcopal Conference in Rome in 5/2022. Photo: Reuters

Headquarters of the Italian Episcopal Conference in Rome in 5/2022. Photo: Reuters

The priest initially used compliments and attention to establish a close relationship with the victim before escalating to sexual abuse in secluded areas of the church.

"He exploited his position to manipulate the boy's emotions, making him feel spiritually and morally bound to his 'spiritual father'," police said, adding that the priest "blessed the victim" after the abuse.

A few months ago, a 48-year-old priest in northern Italy was also arrested on charges of abusing children aged 10 to 12. Italy is a predominantly Catholic country where the church holds significant influence.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP)