Vatican ambassador to France resigns after molestation allegations

The Vatican lifted Ventura's diplomatic immunity in July so he could be questioned by prosecutors.

By REUTERS

DECEMBER 17, 2019 14:53

Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer in Saint Peter's Square, after the closing of a four-day meeting on the global sexual abuse crisis, at the Vatican, February 24, 2019 (photo credit: REMO CASILLI/ REUTERS) — Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer in Saint Peter's Square, after the closing of a four-day meeting on the global sexual abuse crisis, at the Vatican, February 24, 2019

(photo credit: REMO CASILLI/ REUTERS)

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Luigi Ventura, the Holy See's ambassador to France, who has been accused of sexual molestation, the Vatican said on Tuesday.

Ventura last week turned 75, the age at which all bishops are obliged to hand in their resignations to the pope. Francis sometimes accepts them quickly, as in Ventura's case, and sometimes keeps people in their jobs longer.

French authorities opened an investigation into Ventura in January after a junior official at Paris City Hall accused him of molestation.

The Vatican lifted Ventura's diplomatic immunity in July so he could be questioned by prosecutors.

Ventura has not commented on the allegations.