Priest allegedly abused girls and forced them to have abortions

An abuse scandal involving a young priest has shaken Brazil: in the diocese of Coari in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, a 31-year-old priest is alleged to have abused at least four girls. In the case of a 14-year-old girl, the priest also forced her to have an illegal abortion after she became pregnant by him, several media reported on Monday. After the abortion, he buried the dead foetus together with an acquaintance on his property in the countryside. The priest and his accomplice were arrested by the police in mid-August. The priest had previously been the diocese's youth chaplain for several years.

At the time of his arrest by the police, the priest had just had sex with a young woman who had recently come of age. He was then due to celebrate Holy Mass in his parish. The police found more than 250 videos showing the priest abusing his victims in the rectory of the abuser. He is said to have used the videos to secure the silence of the victims. The police also seized cash totalling around 5,000 euros. According to media reports, another person who is said to have brought the perpetrator together with the later victims was also arrested in recent days.

The diocese of Coari was surprised by the priest's arrest. It announced that it had suspended the priest and would co-operate with the investigating authorities. At the same time, the diocese expressed its solidarity with the victims and their families. The church wants to help them alleviate the suffering caused by the priest's actions. (rom)