Vatican voices concern over Lithuanian priests accused of child sex offenses
The Apostolic Nunciature in Lithuania says it is closely following a case involving two Catholic priests accused of sexual offenses against children, with the Holy See reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on abuse.
The Apostolic Nunciature in Lithuania said Thursday it is deeply concerned about allegations of child sexual offenses involving two Catholic priests, according to a statement given to Lithuanian news portal 15min.lt.
The diplomatic mission said the Holy See has been informed of the situation, continues to monitor it closely, and regularly receives updates on developments. It reiterated the Holy See's firm zero-tolerance policy toward any form of abuse and expressed sympathy for the alleged victims and their families.
The nunciature clarified that criminal proceedings fall under the jurisdiction of Lithuanian state authorities, while the Archdiocese of Vilnius is responsible for the corresponding canonical investigation.
The allegations
One priest is accused of sexual offenses against 11 minors. Law enforcement data cited in the case shows 34 alleged criminal episodes recorded over a 23-year span, from 2002 to 2025. The second priest is accused of possessing child pornography, though no victims have been identified in that case.
The two defendants have been named as Tadas Švedavičius and Ryšardas Peciunas.
