Trial of Sexual Abuse Begins at Vatican

The trial of the two priests began today at the Vatican Criminal Court.

One is accused of sexual abuse of a boy who helped the church and the other to conceal the case.

The charges were read aloud in the courtroom, which is the first time the Vatican detailed the case against the priests, one of whom was an older student of the seminar at the time of abuse from 2007 to 2012, and the other was the rector of the youth seminar.

The incident occurred at St. Pius X Palace within Vatican, across the street from the Roman Catholic Church head Pope Francis.

The seminar, led by the Como religious association, serves as a residence for boys aged 12 to 18, who help during the pope's Mass at St. Peter's Church.

According to the indictment, Gabriele Martinelli (28) is accused of abusing the authority of the seminar's high representative to force the newest victim to <x0 body action” of Sodom and masturbation, using violence and threats.

Former Rector Enrico Radice is accused of helping Martinel escape the investigation, claiming the victim's claims were groundless and he told Vatican prosecutors he did not know about sexual abuse in the palace.

Neither Martinel nor Radice pleaded guilty to the indictment. Next session is scheduled for October 27th.