Vatican closes abuse investigation against cardinal

Following a Vatican investigation into allegations of sexual abuse, New Zealand Cardinal John Dew (76) is once again allowed to work as a pastor. "As the ecclesiastical proceedings have been concluded and no further action is proposed, Cardinal John can resume his public clerical activities," the Asian press service Ucanews quoted (Friday) from a statement by Dew's successor as Archbishop of Wellington, Paul Martin. In March, the public prosecutor's office had already decided not to press charges; the police investigation had revealed nothing and the relevant file would be closed.

Around a year ago, Dew was accused of sexually abusing a seven-year-old boy in an orphanage when he was a priest in the 1970s. "I said immediately, and I say again now, that in my 48 years as a priest there have never been any cases of inappropriate or abusive behaviour," the cardinal assured. He did not know the person in question and the accusations were false. The events described by the alleged victim could never have happened in this way. The police have now also come to this conclusion.

Alleged victim expresses horror

The named complainant told the New Zealand news portal Newshub that he had never been contacted by the Vatican as part of the investigation into Dew. He was speechless. "How can a review be possible if you don't speak to the complainant?"

Dew was Archbishop of New Zealand's capital Wellington from 2005 to 2023. Pope Francis appointed him to the College of Cardinals in 2015. (KNA)