Lithuanian bishops to investigate crimes against minors since 1990

The Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference will investigate all crimes committed against minors and vulnerable adults within the Church since March 11, 1990. The bishops stated that their priority is the victim rather than the reputation of the institution.

The decision follows charges against Father Tadas Švedavičius of the Archdiocese of Vilnius. According to a September 28 Delfi report, the priest faces 34 criminal counts involving child sexual abuse, the possession of child pornography, and the distribution of alcohol to minors spanning 20 years.

During the investigation, the conference plans to consult with Lithuanian law enforcement and the Holy See to determine how many such crimes occurred following Lithuania's independence from the Soviet Union.