Italian priest suspended amid ongoing child pornography investigation in Brescia diocese.
Castelcovati, Italy — A Catholic priest from northern Italy is under house arrest following serious allegations of possessing child pornography, according to legal and church sources.
The accused clergyman, aged 51, was taken into custody last week and is currently being investigated by Italian authorities.
Police Discover Child Pornography on Priest’s Phone
Defense attorney Paolo Inverardi confirmed the detention to AFP, revealing that police discovered more than 1,500 photos and videos categorized as child pornography on the priest’s personal mobile phone. The material was reportedly uncovered during a forensic digital search.
The suspect served as parish priest in the town of Castelcovati, located west of the northern city of Brescia. In response to the investigation, the local diocese has suspended the priest from all pastoral duties.
Church Confirms Suspension, Denies Parish Involvement
A diocesan spokesman stated that although the priest is under investigation for child pornography, no children from the parish are believed to be involved in the case. “In no way are minors from the parish community involved,” said Adriano Bianchi, speaking on behalf of the bishop. He added, “There has been no inappropriate conduct on his part toward the people entrusted to him in pastoral care.”
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Bianchi emphasized that both the judicial system and the Church treat any crimes involving minors with the utmost seriousness. “Any crime involving minors cannot in any way be underestimated, tolerated, and much less go unpunished, especially if it involves priests,” the statement concluded.
Second Child Pornography Scandal in Brescia Diocese
This incident marks the second time in recent months that the Diocese of Brescia has come under scrutiny for alleged sexual crimes. Just weeks earlier, another priest, Ciro Panigara, was arrested for suspected sexual abuse of minors aged between 10 and 12 in parishes located between Milan and Verona.
The diocese had quietly removed Panigara from parish duty in January, citing “serious situations” that required his immediate departure. Details only emerged later after police arrested him based on multiple child abuse allegations.
Canonical Investigation Forthcoming
The diocese confirmed it is cooperating with law enforcement and will launch a canonical investigation at the appropriate time. “The Church has internal mechanisms to investigate such allegations, and these will be initiated once civil procedures allow,” the statement read.
Local media reports indicate that authorities are still reviewing the full extent of the digital evidence found in the most recent child pornography case. Prosecutors are expected to decide on formal charges in the coming weeks.
Wider Implications for the Catholic Church
The recurring nature of child pornography and abuse allegations within diocesan structures in Italy continues to raise concerns among both parishioners and watchdog groups. Experts warn that the Church must increase transparency and improve internal oversight to restore public confidence.
While both cases remain under active investigation, the Brescia diocese has promised accountability and cooperation with authorities, pledging that those found guilty will face both ecclesiastical and civil consequences.
