Santiago, Chile, Feb 21, 2011 / 14:57 pm
An investigation carried out by the Vatican concluded that the popular Chilean priest Fr. Fernando Karadima Farina is guilty of sexually abusing minors.
Archbishop Ricardo Ezzati of Santiago, Chile announced the results of the inquiry made by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on Feb. 17 at a press conference.
Fr. Karadima was accused by Dr. James Hamilton, journalist Juan Carlos Cruz, philosopher Jose Andres Murillo, and attorney Fernando Batlle, of committing sexual abuse in the 1990s. A civil case against the priest was closed in 2010, and officials are now looking at reopening it.
In his statement, the Archbishop of Santiago explained that the ecclesiastical investigation of Fr. Karadima began in July of 2010 and concluded with a decree issued on Jan. 16, 2011. It said that “based upon the evidence that has been obtained, the Rev. Fernando Karadima Farina is guilty of the aforementioned crimes” and “especially, of the crime of abuse of a minor.”
Taking into account the 80 year-old priest’s advanced age and poor health, the decree orders him to “retire to a life of prayer and penance, in reparation as well for the victims of abuse.”