Bishop investigated for sexual abuse

For months, the Vatican has been investigating a South American bishop for alleged sexual abuse of minors. Bishop Marco Antonio Fernández Órdenes 

The neo-conservative Bishop Marco Antonio Órdenes Fernández (47) of Iquique, is under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of minors in several cases, the spokesman of the Chilean bishops' conference announced on Tuesday. The port city of Iquique of population 160,000 is located in northern Chile . The Conciliar Blessed John Paul II († 2005) appointed Msgr. Órdenes in 1996 at the age of only 41 to be the diocesan bishop. 

Currently under treatment 

According to Chilean press reports, the bishop is is in Peru for the treatment of a congenital liver condition. He will return in the next few days to Chile. 

The Vatican has investigated since April 

The CDF has investigated the case since April. The Apostolic Nuncio in Chile, Archbishop Ivo Scapolo (59) has been concerned for months to find out if the allegations are true or a pack of lies. The alleged victims have been offered psychological help. 

The bishop protests his innocence 

According to the Chilean newspaper La Tercera, Mons. Órdenes has canceled due to his health several dates since August. Those close to him informed the bishop that investigations are ongoing against him. According to the Santiago Times, Mons. Órdenes has maintained his innocence and asked for prayer. 

Prosecutor found no evidence against the bishop 

According to 'terra.com' the prosecutors already investigated the bishop several years ago. It is unclear whether the former investigations are related to the current allegations. those days were there was no evidence against the bishop. If there are now new facts, the authorities want to start a new legal process.

Source