🇱🇹✝️Lithuanian authorities have announced that an investigation into pedophilic crimes committed by Catholic priests will be conducted, covering the entire period since 1990, as reported by Lithuanian national television and radio. The Catholic Church in Lithuania will initiate these inquiries following high-profile cases involving two clergymen that have significantly impacted the nation.

Father Tadas Šviaudačius is accused of sexual offenses against 11 children, with the prosecutor's office citing 34 counts of offenses committed between 2002 and 2025. Additionally, his colleague, Ričardas Peciūnas, faces charges of possessing child pornography.

These recent events have brought attention to previous scandals. In 2023, journalists disclosed details regarding Father Kęstutis Palikša, whom a former orphanage resident accused of coercing him into sexual acts in exchange for money. It was subsequently revealed that in 2022, he had been secretly found guilty solely of distributing child pornography. Despite this, the Church did not remove him from roles involving young people nor publicize the incident.

Archbishop of Vilnius and head of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences, Gintaras Grušas, has faced criticism for allegedly attempting to conceal the case; however, he remains in his current position.

🔴@DDGeopolitics