Lithuanian president breaks silence on Church pedophilia scandal

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has spoken out for the first time, after nearly a week of silence, on the pedophilia scandal involving priests that has shaken the country's Catholic Church. The president stressed there can be no taboo subjects in this matter and that prayer alone will not resolve the situation.

Nausėda said the crimes committed by the priests could, in their severity, be compared to crimes against humanity. He outlined two levels of responsibility: the state must thoroughly investigate such cases and punish those responsible, while the Church must strengthen mechanisms to prevent such crimes in the future.

Criminal case against a priest

Last week, Lithuania's Prosecutor General's Office referred to court a criminal case against a priest who worked in the Archdiocese of Vilnius. He faces charges over 34 criminal offenses, including the sexual exploitation of children, possession of pornographic materials, and involving minors in alcohol consumption. The crimes are believed to have been committed over a period of 23 years, and 11 people have so far been recognized as victims in the case.

Criticism over delayed response

The president's prolonged silence after the scandal broke drew public criticism, as other senior Lithuanian officials had already spoken out on the matter earlier. The scandal continues to hold public attention, putting pressure on both state and church institutions to act.