The Vatican is under fire for rehiring Italian priest Reverend Carlo Alberto Capella, a former diplomat convicted of possessing and sharing child pornography. Capella was found guilty in 2018 and sentenced to five years in prison, which he served in the Vatican jail. Despite his conviction, he was released from prison in 2022 and reportedly returned to work at the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, sparking outrage among Catholic bloggers and abuse survivors.
Critics question why Capella was given an administrative role, especially considering Pope Francis’ previous efforts to address clerical abuse scandals. Capella’s attorney claims the decision was based on “good behavior,” with the priest limited to desk work and no public contact. However, Peter Isely of SNAP argues that Capella shouldn’t hold any official role, suggesting he should instead be tasked with menial jobs like scrubbing floors or bathrooms. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about the Vatican’s handling of abuse cases and its commitment to protecting children.
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